NDSU head football coach signs 2-year contract extension

FARGO, N.D. (AP) - North Dakota State coach Chris Klieman has signed a two-year contract extension that will keep him with the Bison at least through the 2021 season, school officials announced Monday.

Klieman led the Bison to the Football Championship Subdivision title this past season, his first as head coach. It was the fourth straight FCS crown for the Bison.

Terms of the contract extension were not announced.

"Chris understands the culture of Bison football and what it takes to continue the program's high level of success," athletic director Matt Larsen said. "The excitement around the football program has never been greater and I look forward to having Chris and his family in Fargo for the long term."

Klieman, 47, came to NDSU in 2011 as the defensive backs coach and was the defensive coordinator in 2012 and 2013. The Bison led the nation in scoring defense in each of his three years on the defensive staff.

Klieman took over as coach when Craig Bohl moved to Wyoming after the Bison won their third straight FCS title.

The Bison were 15-1 this past season, which included a victory over Iowa State in the season opener. Klieman was named a finalist for the Eddie Robinson Award, presented annually to the FCS coach of the year.

"I'm excited to continue to build on the great tradition of Bison football," Klieman said. "My family enjoys being in Fargo and I am extremely thankful for how this community and Bison Nation have embraced my family and me."

Klieman is a Waterloo, Iowa, native and standout defensive back at Northern Iowa.