INDIANAPOLIS -- Purdue's sales pitch to Matt Painter was good enough.

After talking with Missouri about its coaching vacancy, Painter decided to stay at his alma mater Wednesday and agreed to an eight-year contract through the 2018-19 season.

"I am extremely excited about continuing my career at Purdue," Painter said in a statement. "I believe we have built something very special. At the same time, I feel we have much more ahead of us to accomplish. At the end of the day, my heart is at Purdue, and this is a place where I want to win a national championship."

Purdue officials spoke with Painter by telephone on Monday, then he met with Missouri officials on Tuesday while on vacation in Florida.

The Tigers still are looking to fill a vacancy left open when Mike Anderson left for Arkansas after a similar public bidding battle just a week ago.