Missouri, eighth-year coach Pinkel close to contract extension

COLUMBIA, Mo. -- Missouri coach Gary Pinkel and the university are close to agreeing on a contract extension.

Missouri spokesman Chad Moller says an agreement is being finalized but a deal is not complete.

Pinkel's contract, re-negotiated last December, guaranteed $1.85 million per year through 2012.

The extension comes as Washington seeks a replacement for the fired Ty Willingham. Pinkel was a longtime assistant to coach Don James at Washington.

Pinkel is 58-39 in eight seasons at Missouri, including 21-4 the last two seasons.