The University of Denver has given a contract extension through 2017 to men's head lacrosse coach Bill Tierney.

Tierney has been chosen ECAC Coach of the Year twice and been honored as the 2009 U.S. Lacrosse Person of the Year since his tenure at Denver began in 2009.

"We at the University of Denver have certainly been fortunate to have one of the deans of collegiate lacrosse instruct our young men during the last four years and are so proud that he will remain at the helm in the future," said Peg Bradley-Doppes, vice chancellor of athletics and recreation. "With this extension we know our program is in the best of hands and will continue at the pinnacle of the sport."

Under Tierney, the Pioneers have made four consecutive NCAA tournament appearances; qualified for the national semifinals twice, including this year; won three Eastern College Athletic Conference regular-season titles and one ECAC tournament championship. Overall, they posted 50-20, including 28-5 at home.

The Pioneers are moving to the Big East next year, which also includes Georgetown, Marquette, Providence, St. John's, Villanova and Rutgers.

"I am thrilled that the University of Denver, Chancellor Robert Coombe and Peg Bradley-Doppes have shown me their support and confidence by extending my contract," the hall of fame coach said. "My short time at DU has been a fantastic experience thus far. Coaching great young men; working with my talented and loyal staff of Matt Brown, Trevor Tierney and Dylan Sheridan; being able to recruit many student-athletes who love our university; and sharing this experience with my family, colleagues, players' families and friends has been nothing short of amazing."

His leadership brought in several awards - one ECAC Offensive Player of the Year, one ECAC Defensive Player of the Year, one ECAC Specialist of the Year and two ECAC rookies of the year.

"This extension allows us to continue on our path toward an NCAA championship after four NCAA Tournament appearances and two championship weekend appearances, but most of all it allows me to continue my career hoping to have an impact on the lives of young people as they compete, study and mature into successful and responsible adults," Tierney added.

Pioneers finished their second-best season under Tierney, after ending with a 14-5 overall record and a 6-1 mark in league action.

"I thank all those who have supported me and our program throughout the first four years and promise an even higher level of excellence on the field, in the classroom and in the community," Tierney said.

Tierney has also had a positive influence over his players on the academic front, wherein five of his student-athletes earned the USILA Scholar All-America honors and 33 of them secured ECAC Academic Team honors.