Jim Calhoun, one of the most respected college basketball coaches, is close to signing a five-year contract extension with the University of Connecticut.

Calhoun has been head coach at UConn since 1986 and will turn 68 years old in May.  There has been much speculation of what Calhoun would decide to do after an investigation was open involving allegations of recruiting violations by a former student assistant.

Many people believed that if Calhoun had won the National Title last year he may have retired. Calhoun in his 24th season at UConn has been to three Final Fours and won two national titles the first in 1999 and 2004.

The financial terms of the contract have not been released. This brings attention because last February a freelance reporter questioned Calhoun's substantial salary during such hard economic times. Calhoun's famous response was that he would give "not a dime back."

This contract extension is surprising in aspects to Calhoun's health in recent years.  He survived prostate cancer in 2003, and recently broke a few ribs after falling off his bike in his charity riding event. One thing is for sure: Calhoun's dedication and desire to win at the University of Connecticut.

He has won more than 800 games, and continues to recruit players who make UConn a national contender year after year.  He currently has coached more than 25 NBA players.

Calhoun made this Connecticut basketball team what it is today. As the end of his career nears, it seems that he wants win one more national championship for the state of Connecticut.

After coming so close last year, Coach Calhoun is seeking another magical run in March.  As we know from history, anything can happen when the calendar turns to the madness of March.