The Boston Celtics announced today that they have extended coach Jim O'Brien's contract through the 2005-2006 season.

O'Brien's contract was set to expire at the end of this coming season, but Danny Ainge stated last week that he intended to keep the coaching staff in place.

O'Brien took over as Celtics head coach in 2000-2001 when Rick Pitino resigned with a 12-24 record.  O'Brien coached that Celtics team to a .500 record the rest of the season, earning another season as head coach.  He rewarded Celtics management for their faith by leading the Celtics to the Eastern Conference finals in his first full season as Celtics coach.  O'Brien has a career record of 117-95.