Brad Stevens is here to stay—at least for the next 12 years.

The 33-year-old head coach of the Butler U. men’s basketball team signed a contract last week that could keep him at Butler through the 2021-2022 season.

The exact terms of the contract, including Stevens’ salary, were not released to the public.

In a press conference Friday, the Horizon League Coach of the Year said he is excited to remain a part of the Butler community.

“[The contract] is something the university came up with, and I’m tickled to think they’d want to do that,” he said.

Only four coaches in NCAA men’s basketball history have fared better than Stevens’ 89-15 record at the end of their first three years as a head coach. The Bulldogs have been to the NCAA Men’s Division I Basketball Championships three times under his reign, most recently falling to Duke in the National Championship game.

For the Zionsville, Ind., native, his wife and their two children, the contract is an opportunity to continue to call Indiana home.

“This community’s been fantastic to us,” Stevens said. “We recognize we have a really good thing.”

The contract does come with a buy-out clause. This would allow other schools to consider Stevens for open coaching jobs at any time during the next 12 years. In exchange, they would have to pay Butler an undisclosed amount of money.

The contract ended any speculation that Stevens would be considered for jobs at bigger universities. ”

It’s flattering to be discussed,” Stevens said. “But often times, that stuff in the media is speculation. I’ve talked to people here and there, but what I was hoping would happen is what happened.”

His players said they are happy to have their coach sticking around, at least for the rest of their time at Butler.

“It was obvious people were going to come after him for their head coaching jobs,” sophomore guard Ronald Nored said.

“He’s an Indy guy at heart. He’s fallen in love with what Butler has to offer. And, he’s winning.

“It’s also exciting for the Butler community. Brad’s their guy.”

The team met shortly after news of the contract was released.

“I could just feel his excitement for next year,” Nored said. “The great thing about it is nothing’s going to change.

“I don’t think there’s a better coach in the country.”

Nored said the team was happy to get the contract issue settled so soon after the end of the tournament.

Stevens said he is looking forward to next year, keeping in mind that whether or not they reach the Final Four or the National Championship again will not dictate their success.

“The goal is to continue to play better and to continue to get better,” Stevens said. “The goal for next year’s team is going to be to continue to try and handle all the expectations and distractions that are going to come their way and to become better men for it.”

As for any increase in recruiting as a result of the Bulldogs’ recent popularity across the country, Stevens said there is “certainly an interest.”

“If we can get better recruits than the ones who almost won us a National Championship, then I’ll be surprised,” he said.

Nored said the team is excited to be able to continue to play “The Butler Way” under the coach who led them to the National Championship game.

“The teams after us are going to get the same opportunities to do what we’ve done up until this point,” Nored said. “And we’re not done yet.”