ESPN's Dick Vitale lands extension through 2018-19 season

Longtime college basketball broadcaster Dick Vitale has agreed to an extension through the 2018-19 season that will keep him with ESPN for his 40th season with the network.

Vitale, who turned 77 on Thursday, was previously signed through the 2017-18 season.

"ESPN has been a vital part of my life. Completing the next three years of my contract will mean 40 years of hoops heaven," Vitale said in a press release. "I have loved every moment, and it has been a thrill to be courtside and call some of the greatest games in the country, sitting next to some of the most outstanding play-by-play announcers you could ever want to work with ...

"My goal is to be the first announcer ever to call a game and say 'you're awesome baby' at 100."

Vitale joined ESPN during the 1979-80 season and called ESPN's first major college basketball game broadcast - DePaul beating visiting Wisconsin 90-77 on Dec. 5, 1979. The man known as "Dickie V" has since called more than 1,000 games for ESPN.

Vitale was hired by ESPN shortly after being fired as coach of the Detroit Pistons. He was 34-60 in part of two seasons with Detroit.