Rice's Bailiff Signs New 5-Year Contract

HOUSTON - Rice head football coach David Bailiff told FOX 26 Sports Thursday he has signed his new five year contract. Bailiff told FOX 26 on Jan. 2 the two sides had an agreement in principle.

"We agreed day one in principle, in early January," Bailiff said. "The lawyers were just getting the language worked out."

In 2008 Bailiff led Rice to a 10-3 record. It was the Owls first 10-win season since 1949 and only the second in school history.

In getting that tenth victory, Bailiff led the Owls to a 38-14 victory over Western Michigan in the Texas Bowl.

It was Rice's first win in a bowl game since the Owls beat Alabama 28-6 in the Cotton Bowl on Jan.1, 1954.

"Rice is committed to me and I am committed to them," Bailiff said.

On getting a new contract after just two years at Rice Bailiff added, "It means we set the bar high."