Jack Del Rio, the fourth-year head coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars, has signed a contract extension with the team. Del Rio's initial contract with the team was through the 2007 season. His new three-year contract covers the 2006-2008 seasons. Terms are undisclosed.

"Jack and his staff have made steady progress with this team, and our 12-4 record and return to the playoffs last season should be rewarded," Jaguars owner Wayne Weaver said. "I told Jack that if he outperformed his contract we would work out a new deal, and both of those things have now happened. We are on the right track and we want to continue on that path, and Jack Del Rio is the coach to lead this team."

Del Rio was named the second head coach in franchise history on January 17, 2003. He has directed the Jaguars' rise from a 5-11 record in 2003 to 9-7 in 2004 – the team's first winning mark in five years – and 12-4 last season with a return to the AFC playoffs for the first time since 1999.

"I appreciate Wayne's support," Del Rio said. "We want to continue to build this football team, and I look forward to continuing in our quest to bring a championship to Jacksonville."

The Jaguars are one of just 14 NFL teams that have a head coach going into at least his fourth season. Nine of those 14 teams are in the AFC, including AFC South division rivals Indianapolis and Tennessee.