Courtesy: Robert Barclay/CMU CMU has replaced the final year of head men's basketball coach Ernie Zeigler's contract with a four-year deal that will keep Zeigler with the Chippewas through the 2013-14 season.

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich. - After leading Central Michigan University to its first-ever back-to-back Mid-American Conference West Division titles, head men’s basketball coach Ernie Zeigler has agreed to a new four-year contract with the university.

The agreement replaces the final year of the current contract and will keep Zeigler with the Chippewas through the 2013-14 season.

“I am elated to have the privilege of continuing to coach at CMU,” Zeigler said. “I am deeply indebted to (CMU President) Dr. (George) Ross and (Athletics Director) Dave Heeke for their confidence in me and my staff and the positive direction of our program.”

Zeigler has led the Chippewas to 12-win seasons in each of his four campaigns and 54 wins overall during the span (54-69). This season, their 15 victories, 10 home wins and nine MAC wins and were the most by a Central Michigan team since the 2002-03 NCAA Tournament squad. Zeigler has taken the Chippewas to the quarterfinal round of the MAC Tournament each of the last four years.

“I am very pleased we have been able to formulate a long-term agreement with Coach Zeigler that will keep him leading the Chippewa men’s basketball program,” said Heeke. “Ernie has done an outstanding job of building this program and reaching a level of competitive success in the conference. Clearly, the back-to-back division championships have illustrated great progress and growth of the program.”
 
The Chippewas will enter next season in the new CMU Events Center with the league’s top-rated recruiting class, which garnered national attention in November.

“The timing of this contract shows the vision our university has for our basketball program,” said Zeigler. “With the impending opening of the Events Center, the success and growth we have had over the last four years, coupled with our recruiting class, the future is bright.”

“This program is positioned for success,” continued Heeke. “Our goal is to be highly competitive in the MAC and contend for championships on a regular basis. With Ernie’s leadership I am confident we can accomplish that.”
 
Zeigler will earn a base salary of $175,446 per year with bonuses of $25,000 for radio, television and promotional appearances, and additional opportunities for performance-based earnings.