CLEVELAND, Miss. -- Delta State University director of athletics Mike Kinnison announced a four-year contract for head coach Todd Cooley on Tuesday, Jan. 21, 2021. The new deal has Cooley signed through the 2024 season.

"I want to thank Coach Mike Kinnison (Director of Athletics) along with President Bill LaForge for believing in me and our coaching staff," Cooley stated. "This contract just reinforces that we are doing things the right way on and off the field as a football program. My wife Lisa and I really enjoy working here at Delta State and living in Cleveland. So, this is a true blessing for our family."

Since arriving at DSU in January of 2013, Cooley (43-32) has directed the Statesmen to a share of the Gulf South Conference title in 2014 and two appearances, 2014 and 2017, in the NCAA Division II Football Playoffs.
 
Over seven seasons, Statesmen football has produced 21 All-Americans, 51 All-Gulf South Conference, and two GSC Offensive Freshman of the Year selections.  

Off the field, the program has continued to see tremendous growth, including a renovated locker room and weight room facilities and the installation of artificial turf at Parker Field-McCool Stadium. Cooley along with a lead gift from DSU Alumnus Rebekah and Miller Arrant that renovated the team's Family Meeting Room.

In the classroom, 16 players were selected to the Gulf South Conference All-Academic Football team and 251 student-athletes achieved a 3.0 GPA or higher.  
 
Cooley and the Statesmen begin spring practices in March in preparation for the upcoming 2021 campaign. DSU opens the season at Parker Field-McCool Stadium on Saturday, Sept. 2 versus Bethel University. A kickoff time is to be determined.