EVANSTON, Ill. (AP) -Northwestern University has extended the contract of football coach Pat Fitzgerald through the 2015 season.

Northwestern athletics director Jim Phillips announced the new deal in a release Tuesday.

Fitzgerald, a former All-American linebacker at Northwestern, has been the Wildcats' head coach since 2006. He joined the coaching staff in 2001.

The 34-year-old is 19-18 in three seasons as head coach and led Northwestern to a nine-win season in 2008.

The Wildcats achieved bowl eligibility the past two seasons and went to the Alamo Bowl in December, the same month Fitzgerald was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame for his years as a player.

Fitzgerald replaced Randy Walker, who died in June 2006.