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UWM fans got a scare last week when Iowa State's Athletic Director, Jamie Pollard, contacted UWM regarding the possibility of recruiting Rob Jeter to become their next head coach.

Fortunately for UWM, the Iowa State Cyclones decided to go in another direction.

"I am very pleased coach Jeter will remain at UWM," UWM Athletic Director Bud Haidet said. "Rob is very committed to making the UWM basketball program the best it can be."

After only one season as head coach at UWM, Jeter led the Panthers to the Horizon League Championship and to an opening round upset over Alabama in the NCAA Tournament.

Shortly after a loss to Florida in the second round, Pollard contacted Haidet and asked to speak with Jeter regarding the position. It was reported that Jeter was one of only two people contacted about the opening.

"I was not looking for a job," Jeter said. "A job found me."

Jeter met with Pollard just two days after the Panther's second round loss. After the interview-which Jeter said went well-no offer was made. Pollard is the former deputy athletic director at UW-Madison and was in charge of the men's basketball program. Jeter and Pollard developed a relationship during Jeter's four years as an assistant under Bo Ryan.

The Cyclones decided to go with Northern Iowa coach Greg McDermott to fill their void opposed to Jeter.

Part of the reason that the Cyclones may have chosen McDermott instead of Jeter may be a result of a "liquidated damage" or a clause in Jeter's contract. The clause stated a school would have to issue three times Jeter's salary, or $900,000 if they were to hire Jeter within his first year of coaching.

As a result of the interview with Iowa State, Jeter agreed to a contract extension through 2013. Financial amounts were not released, but the new contract will include two additional years on the contract, a yearly salary increase, and some performance incentives.

Jeter, who played collegiate ball at UW-Platteville and coached at Platteville, Marquette, UWM and Madison, is very happy about staying at UWM and is looking forward to future success.

"I believe even more in the commitment," Jeter said. "It could not have worked out any better."

Jeter and the Panthers have a true test in front of them next season. They will try to defend their conference crown without seven seniors who contributed nearly 84% of the Panthers entire scoring during the 2005-06 season.

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