Butch Jones and the Tennessee Volunteers have agreed to a two-year contract extension through 2020, the team’s official website announced Monday. Jones will receive a pay increase of $3.6 million annually through the six-year term of the contract.

“When you are rebuilding a program, you face many challenges in order to change the culture,” Tennessee athletic director Dave Hart said. “A tireless effort is required from the entire organization. The most critical piece of the puzzle is leadership, and we have the right man leading our football program. Butch Jones has reenergized our fans base and is an outstanding ambassador for our university.

“He and his staff have recruited at a very high level in an effort to restock our talent base, and we have made great strides academically since his arrival. He possesses a unique skill set, and I value our relationship personally and professionally. The terms of the agreement extend the contract by two years through the 2020 season, at $3.6 million per year.”

“I am very honored and grateful to be the head football coach at the University of Tennessee, and I understand what this program represents,” said Jones. “This has been a complete team effort as we continue to rebuild and restore the Tennessee football program to the standards and expectations that we all have. I’m extremely appreciative to Dave Hart, Chancellor Cheek, and our entire administration for all the support they have given us, and I am also thankful for the loyal support from the best and most passionate fan base in the nation.”

Jones was named the 24th coach in program history on December 7, 2012. Since his arrival, the Vols have gone 11-13, including a 6-6 (2-5 SEC) record in 2014 to earn the team’s first bowl game appearance since 2010.

Jones owns a 61-40 (.604) career record in eight seasons as a head coach. Prior to joining Tennessee, Jones served as the head coach at Central Michigan (2007-09) and Cincinnati (2010-12).

During this past season, Tennessee started 11 freshmen from Jones’ top-5 2014 recruiting class. 32 of the 71 players that appeared in the Vols’ season opener were freshmen. The previous record for freshman debuts in Week 1 was 12 in 2010.