Oregon signs coach Mark Helfrich to 5-year extension

EUGENE, Ore. (AP) - Coach Mark Helfrich has agreed to a five-year contract extension that could keep him at Oregon through the 2019 season.

Helfrich last month wrapped up his second season with the Ducks, who finished 13-2 and went to the first College Football Playoff, eventually falling to Ohio State in the national championship game.

The contract guarantees Helfrich $17.5 million over five years, with an annual average of $3.5 million. The deal includes incentives for both the team's on-field performance and academic success.

"Mark has provided tremendous leadership of our football program and the values and character that he insists upon are in line with our mission as an institution," athletic director Rob Mullens said in a statement. "The success of our student-athletes on the field and in the classroom will continue with Mark's leadership and we are thrilled that he will stay at home in Oregon for a long time to come."

Helfrich's salary comes solely from athletic department funds. It also includes a one-year automatic rollover for any 11-win season that includes a victory in one of the major bowl games.

The deal also includes sliding financial penalties should Helfrich decide to leave the Ducks for another job.

An Oregon native, Helfrich has amassed a 24-4 record as Oregon's head coach since taking over when Chip Kelly departed for the Philadelphia Eagles.