Ravens Extend Billick's Contract
The Associated Press
Wednesday, January 17, 2007; 4:41 PM
OWINGS MILLS, Md. -- The Baltimore Ravens extended coach Brian Billick's contract Wednesday following the best season in franchise history.
The team simply sent out a one-line statement to make the announcement, and promised no further details or discussion.
  Baltimore Ravens head coach Brian Billick watches action on the field during the AFC divisional playoff football game against the Indianapolis Colts in Baltimore Saturday, Jan. 13, 2007. (AP Photo/Rusty Kennedy) (Rusty Kennedy - AP)   The Indianapolis Colts overcome the rain and a sloppy start to beat the Chicago Bears, 29-17. The Colts' victory ignites a wild celebration among the white-and-blue attired fans in the sea of colorful vinyl rainwear that populated the soggy stands. Peyton Manning fills the final hole in his legend as the greatest quarterback never to win the biggest game. Leonard Shapiro: Tony Dungy and Manning seal their place in history by winning the Super Bowl. Manning adds a Super Bowl MVP award to his long list of achievements. Joseph Addai and Dominic Rhodes plow forward for the Colts go-ahead touchdown and never look back. There was a collective failure by the Bears' offense, but Rex Grossman provides the most vivid images. Notebook: Two assistant coaches who participated in the Super Bowl likely will interview for Dallas' head coaching job. On Our Site Wilbon and Kornheiser share their thoughts live during Sunday's big game. Photos: Relive all of the action from the NFL playoffs. Audio: Manning on the Win. Audio: Grossman on the Loss. Audio: Dungy Praises Smith. Quarterly Report (PDF) A Slew of Errors (PDF) Graphic: Play of the Game. MARK MASKE'S NFL INSIDER • Jaguars Tackle in Critical Condition • Lions Bolster Backfield With R. Johnson |
Asked about his contract Monday, Billick made it clear he would prefer the situation remain a personal matter.
"I hope you don't misunderstand why I am hesitant to talk about my contract going forward," he said. "Beyond the personal side, it's not very comfortable to sit and pick up the paper and read your personal finances all over the page."
Billick's current contract was to last through 2007 and his future with the team was in doubt after a disappointing 2005 season. But the team went 13-3 before being eliminated from the playoffs Saturday with a 15-6 loss to the Indianapolis Colts.
In nine seasons under Billick, Baltimore is 75-53. His nine seasons as coach is tied with Philadelphia's Andy Reid for the third-longest current run in the NFL behind Jeff Fisher of Tennessee (13) and Denver's Mike Shanahan (12).
