The Buffalo News’ Bob DiCesare is reporting that the University at Buffalo Bulls have agreed to a three-year contract extension with head coach Jeff Quinn through the 2017 season. The team is expected to announce the contract as soon as today, the News article reports.

Until the team’s recent three-game winning streak, Quinn’s job appeared to be in jeopardy, as he had compiled a record of 6-26 over two-and-a-half years, and UB’s new athletic director, Danny White, spent the season evaluating the program’s future. Eliminated from bowl contention after seven games, many thought Quinn was as good as gone.

At the time, we advocated giving Quinn another year to prove himself and develop his recruits—his first contract ran through Jan. 2, 2015. Committing to a coach for the next five years is a lot more of the “Next Bull In” mantra and a risky commitment by White. Under Quinn, UB has never beaten Northern Illinois—the cream-of-the-crop in the Mid-American Conference—and a winning percentage of 26% isn’t typically cause for extension.

The recent three-game win streak—which comprises victories over Miami (OH) (3-4 in MAC), Western Michigan (2-6 in MAC) and Massachusetts (1-6 in MAC)—seems to have cemented Quinn as the “coach of the future” in White’s mind.

There are some positives, too. Redshirt-freshman Joe Licata has been undefeated in his three games as starter since replacing Alex Zordich, and highly-touted Collin Michael is waiting in the wings as well. A trio of running backs—Branden Oliver, Devin Campbell and James Potts—is promising and each has at least a year left of eligibility with Buffalo, and the offensive line is performing that best it has since the beginning of Quinn’s tenure. Outside linebacker Khalil Mack may be the most dynamic player in the history of UB football.

What do you think of the Bulls’ decision to extend Quinn? Was it too premature? Should the program have waited until after the season—the final game is a road tilt against a strong Bowling Green team—to determine Quinn’s future?

(Header photo courtesy of Don Nieman from the UB vs. Kent State game—full gallery here).