New deal for Ga. Tech football coach

ATLANTA, Dec. 18 (UPI) -- Georgia Tech University has signed football coach Paul Johnson to an amended seven-year contract.

The ACC school said Thursday on its Web site that the deal will pay him $17.17 million, including $2.3 million in 2009.

The amended contract starts on Jan. 1, 2009.

Johnson matriculated to Atlanta from the U.S. Naval Academy on Dec. 7, 2007, and won more games than any first-year head coach at Georgia Tech this season.

That record included a 45-42 win over archrival Georgia, snapping Tech's seven-game losing streak against the Bulldogs.

"I am excited to be the head coach at Georgia Tech and to be a part of the great tradition here," Johnson said. "I look forward to continue being a part of the Georgia Tech family for years to come."

The Yellow Jackets compiled a 9-3 regular season record, and on Dec. 31, will face LSU at the Chick-fil-A Bowl.

A victory would give them their first 10-win season since 1998.