Arizona is on the rise. In spite of a fifth straight losing season in Tucson, the Wildcats are trending in the right direction under coach Jedd Fisch. It’s obvious to outsiders.

And it’s clearly obvious to the university’s leadership. The program announced on Thursday that Fisch has agreed to a two-year contract extension that’ll keep him in Tucson through 2027. The deal is pending approval from the Arizona Board of Regents. Details of the extension were not immediately available.

“Coach Fisch has brought a new level of energy and excitement to Arizona Football, for our student-athletes, and for our fans,” University of Arizona President Dr. Robert C. Robbins said in a statement. “With a top-20 recruiting class this past year, an outstanding season, and the kind of integrity and dedication we value at the University of Arizona, he has earned this vote of confidence and I am excited for the bright future he is building for this program.”

Arizona improved from just one win in 2021 to five this season. The four-win improvement was the third-largest win increase in a single season in program history. Year 2 under Fisch saw the Wildcats defeat No. 9 UCLA at the Rose Bowl — Arizona’s first top-10 win on the road since 2015 — and then two weeks later take down Arizona State in the Territorial Cup to snap a five-game losing streak in the rivalry.

“Jedd’s success on the field, in recruiting, and in the community have established a foundation of excellence for our football program moving forward,” said athletic director Dave Heeke. “The wholesale improvement of our program in all aspects has been accomplished in alignment with the mission of the University of Arizona, and this extension is our commitment to continue investing in our football program. I am excited to see what the future holds for Arizona Football under Jedd’s excellent leadership.”

Fisch worked the transfer portal remarkably last offseason, bringing quarterback Jayden de Laura over from Washington State and snagging wideout Jacob Cowing from the G5 ranks. Those two helped engineer one of college football’s most explosive offenses.

De Laura threw for 3,685 yards this year and was among the FBS leaders in explosive pass plays. Cowing combined with Dorian Singer to give the UA its first pair of 1,000-yard teammates in a single season in program history.

Fisch has said they’ll look to work the same kind of turnaround with the defense this offseason. With security from the Arizona administration and tangible results on the field, Fisch should have no problem bringing more talent to Tucson this offseason.

“Amber and I, along with our family, are so grateful to President Robbins, Dave Heeke, and the entire University Leadership for their belief in our program and the direction we are heading,” Fisch said in a statement. “This new contract will allow us to continue to build and improve in all areas.  This would not be possible without the incredible efforts of our players and coaches, to whom I am incredibly grateful.  I am excited about the improvements our program has made, but we can’t wait to get back on the recruiting trail and bring in more great players to take our program to greater heights. I want to thank Wildcat Nation for its support.  Now it’s time to fill the stadium!  Bear Down and Go Cats.”