Minnesota Coach Working On Contract Extension

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) -- Tubby Smith says he's staying at Minnesota.

The Golden Gophers coach says he's working on a contract extension that will keep him in Minneapolis long-term despite speculation he could take another job after the season.

Smith made his comments Thursday after Minnesota was eliminated from the Big Ten tournament with a 75-65 loss to Northwestern. The Gophers have lost 10 of 11 games and their NCAA tournament hopes took a big hit with their latest loss.

But after the game, Smith jokingly told reporters the only way he would leave Minnesota is if the late-season collapse prompted school officials to take their proposal off the table.

Last year, Smith also denied rumors he was interested in the Oregon job by saying he was working on an extension.

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