Nuggets exercise option on Karl's coaching contract

The Denver Nuggets Tuesday exercised their option on the contract of head coach George Karl, who originally signed a six-year contract with a team option after the third season.

Karl is now under contract through the 2009-2010, accordinng to the club from Denver, Colorado.

"This franchise is moving in a great direction and I'm honored to be a part of it," Karl was quoted as saying. "I look forward to continuing what we've started."

Since taking charge midway into the 2004-2005 season, Karl has coached the Nuggets to a 76-46 regular-season record, the best win percentage for any Nuggets head coach since the club joined the NBA 30 years ago.

The Nuggets won their first division crown since 1988 last season.

Karl, who has guided Milwaukee, Seattle, Golden State and Cleveland, had 784 career victories in 18 seasons, sharing 12th on the all-time win list, and has not suffered a losing record in 14 consecutive seasons.

Source: Xinhua