A contract extension for University of Tennessee men's athletic director Mike Hamilton should be announced soon.

Hamilton, who observes his third anniversary on the job in June, said talks have been under way on for some time.

"Basically, I'm happy, they're happy,'' he said. "We've talked about it for several months. There hasn't been any sense of urgency.''

Dr. John Petersen, UT's president, declined to comment on the contract until it is finalized.

Hamilton agreed to a four-year contract in 2003 when he succeeded mentor Doug Dickey. A year's extension was added in 2004.

Hamilton's third year has seen good news and bad news, each unexpected.

The football team began the 2005 season ranked No. 3 but finished 5-6 and missed a bowl game for the first time since 1988.

Hamilton's decision to change basketball coaches precipitated a rip-roaring revival at Thompson-Boling Arena orchestrated by new coach Bruce Pearl.

A team projected to finish fifth in the six-team SEC East captured the division title, won 22 games and reached the second round of the NCAA tournament.

Pearl received a raise and extension last month. Similar adjustments are in the works for Lady Vols basketball coach Pat Summitt.