Heath, Holtz get extensions

TAMPA - University of South Florida head football coach Skip Holtz and head men's basketball coach Stan Heath have each signed contract extensions, Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Doug Woolard announced on Friday. Previously signed through the 2014 season, Holtz's new contract runs through the 2017 season. Heath's contract, which was effective through the 2014-15 season, will now run through the 2017-18 season, according to a release by the school.

"We're pleased to be able to extend both coach Holtz and coach Heath," Woolard said. "They're great representatives for both USF and their respective programs. I have great confidence in the leadership they are providing and the future of both our football and men's basketball programs."

Heath, who just finished his fifth season with USF, was named Big East Conference men's basketball coach of the year after leading the Bulls to 12-6 conference record last season. USF reached the NCAA tournament for the first time in 20 years, winning two games before losing to Ohio in the Round of 32.

After leading the Bulls to a 20-13 record in the 2009-10 season, Heath received an extension that summer through 2015.

Holtz, entering his third season at USF, is still looking to guide the Bulls their first Big East title after taking a step back last season. USF, which finished 5-7, missed out on a bowl game for the first time in seven years.

But expectations remain high heading into this season, as the team returns its defensive corp and a senior quarterback in B.J. Daniels.