Roy Williams, UNC Agree on New Contract: Latest Details, Comments and Reaction

North Carolina announced a contract extension Friday for head basketball coach Roy Williams to keep him with the program through 2020.  

A release posted on the school's athletics site notes Williams' base salary will grow from around $400,000 to nearly $600,000 over the course of the deal. He'll also receive deferred compensation of at least $1.5 million per year, a $40,000 expense account and bonuses for academic and on-court achievements.

The longtime coach talked about how the new agreement fits into his overall plan:

"

I've said I want to coach another six to 10 years, so this contract takes me right to the edge of that, which is good. I appreciate the confidence Chancellor Folt and Bubba Cunningham have in my leadership of the basketball program. They've demonstrated that with this contract extension, and with their support over the past several years, which have been a challenge for all who love Carolina as I do. I thank them on behalf of our basketball program and me personally.

"

Williams spent 15 years as the head coach at Kansas before taking the UNC job in 2003. Since taking over the Tar Heels, he's led the program to the NCAA tournament in 11 of 12 seasons and captured two national titles (2005 and 2009).

All told, he's posted an outstanding 332-101 record (.767 winning percentage) at North Carolina. While those numbers warrant an extension, Jeff Goodman of ESPN.com discussed the main reason for adding length to the deal:

The timing of the deal may be scrutinized, however, with North Carolina under NCAA investigation for potential violations.

Nicole Auerbach of USA Today reported the questions surround no-show classes to help athletes, including men's basketball players, raise their GPA. It's also noted in the report that Williams is not listed in the allegations.

Giving him an extension is a sign of stability by the school amid the ongoing situation, which is filled with uncertainty. As Goodman explained, knowing he's signed for the long haul is a selling point on the recruiting trail.

In turn, North Carolina decided now was the right time to announce the extension.