Financial terms of the deal were not immediately available but it was said to include a significant raise from the $120,008 Trapasso had been receiving under an initial three-year deal.

Under Trapasso's first contract, which expired June 30, 2004, he received a base salary of $70,008, plus $30,000 housing allowance and $20,000 in collateral income from radio and television.

"I'm very happy with the deal we've worked out and the security it provides," Trapasso said. "I couldn't be happier with the support that Herman (Frazier), Tom (Sadler) and the board have shown me and I'm excited to go to work for the next five years."

Trapasso said the five-year duration "is key for our recruiting. They (recruits) know you plan to be around and, I think, that's important."

Trapasso is 77-90 in three seasons and was voted Western Athletic Conference Coach of the Year after the Rainbows finished 31-24 last season.

Former UH officials said Trapasso's predecessor, Les Murakami, never had more than a three-year contract.

But, in recent contracts, UH has shown a willingness to give its head coaches longer terms. Football coach June Jones' deal is for five years and men's basketball coach Riley Wallace is completing a three-year contract with an option for two years.