Dean Richards has signed a new three-year contract as head coach of Newcastle Falcons after steering them to their best season for two decades.
Richards has guided the Falcons into fourth place in the Aviva Premiership to qualify for the semifinals for the first time in the club's history.
They also reached for the semifinals of the European Challenge Cup and Anglo-Welsh Cup.
Falcons chairman Semore Kurdi said: "Everyone within rugby knows what an outstanding job Dean has done here both on and off the field, and it's fantastic news that he will be with us for the long term."
Richards, who announced the new deal at a fans forum event, added: "I feel passionate about the club.
"I always wanted to remain here and there is still a lot of work to do in terms of continuing the great progress we are making."