San Diego State University announced Wednesday that men’s basketball head coach Steve Fisher has signed a three-year contract extension that will tie him to the Aztecs program through the 2018 season.
Athletic Director Jim Sterk said he began negotiating with Fisher at the beginning of the school year. He credited Fisher, who won a national championship and appeared in three Final Fours at Michigan, with creating stability during his 16 years at SDSU.
Fisher has led a formerly moribund program to seven NCAA Tournament appearances, two Sweet 16s, eight Mountain West championships and nine straight seasons of at least 20 wins. His success energized a fan base that regularly sells out Viejas Arena and creates a raucous atmosphere.
“I think this program is reaching that greatness that coaches strive for and it’s one of the premier programs in the West,” Sterk said. “It’s a real blessing to lead an athletics program with someone like Steve Fisher as head coach.”
No major changes were made to the terms of the contract beyond extending its length, Sterk said.
Fisher said he is “immensely appreciative” of Sterk and school President Elliot Hirshman for the extension.
He said he feels great for his age and plans to remain a part of the program for many years.
“Rather than say I don’t want to do it anymore because I’m this age, as long as I feel the way I do now, at the end of every season (wife) Angie and I will talk, but I look forward to not only this year but being part of San Diego State basketball for a long time.”
—City New Service