The University of Alabama has given head football coach Mike Shula a one-year contract extension, taking him through the 2009 season. Shula, who is receiving $900,000 annually, now has a contract through January 31, 2010. "I am very appreciative of coach Shula and his staff for the job they have done over the past two years," Alabama athletic director Mal Moore said. "We are emerging from a very difficult period in our history and the stability provided by coach Shula and his staff has played a large part in that recovery. I feel coach Shula has this program headed in the right direction and I am confident that he can lead Alabama back to a position of national prominence and prestige." The 40-year-old Shula was hired by the school as its head football coach on May 8, 2003. The Crimson Tide went 6-6 this past season and 4-9 in 2003. Alabama lost to Minnesota in the 2004 Music City Bowl. "I am humbled by The University of Alabama's generous offer to extend my contract," Shula said. "This extension reinforces the University's resolve to restore our football program to national prominence. That remains my top priority." The Alabama head coaching position became available when Mike Price was fired. Price, who never coached a game for the Crimson Tide, came under scrutiny after it was reported that he was drinking heavily while at a strip club in Pensacola, Florida. Alabama was placed under NCAA sanctions for two years for recruiting violations. The move comes just two days after Alabama men's basketball coach Mark Gottfried agreed to a new six-year contract worth $1 million annually.