Samford University has signed head football coachto a contract extension, Director of Athleticsannounced Wednesday.The extension is for five years and will keep Hatcher at Samford through the 2023 season."Coach Hatcher has made a tremendous impact on our program since he was hired prior to the 2015 season," Newton said. "His love for his players and for our program is evident in everything he does. We are excited to announce this extension and look forward to continued improvement in the coming years."The extension went into effect following the 2017 season, after Hatcher led the program to back-to-back NCAA Division I-FCS Playoff appearances for the first time in 25 years. Hatcher's 2018 team posted the program's eighth-straight winning season, the longest streak in program history.Also during the 2018 season, quarterbackbecame the FCS' all-time leader in career passing yards. Hodges also earned the highest individual honor at the FCS level, winning the Walter Payton Award."I've been very fortunate to be surrounded by great people at Samford that have allowed me to receive this extension," Hatcher said. "Without my staff, players and the tremendous support of our administration, this would not be possible. I look forward to continued success in the future."Hatcher's offense has been among the FCS' top offenses since he arrived at Samford. In 2018, the Bulldogs' offense led the nation in passing offense (392.7 ypg.) and ranked fourth nationally in total offense (515.9 ypg.). His 2017 offense ranked fifth in the nation in passing offense (333.4 ypg.), while the 2016 unit came in third in passing offense (349.4 ypg.). The 2015 Bulldogs ranked third in the nation in passing offense (332.9 ypg.).Hatcher will begin his fifth season as Samford's head coach on Saturday, Aug. 24 when the Bulldogs take on Youngstown State in the Guardian Credit Union FCS Kickoff at Cramton Bowl in Montgomery, Ala. The kickoff time for the game will be released on a later date.