Bruce Barnum has proven himself worth at the helm and now his efforts are being rewarded.

Barnum, who took over as interim coach for the Portland State Vikings in 2014 after spending five years as an offensive coordinator, has been given a fresh five-year contract which will be effective starting December 1.

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Barnum is one of the reasons why the Vikings are off to a 4-1 start this season. That included huge wins over Washington State and North Texas, two of the Vikings’ FBS opponents.

Their current standing is better than the state’s FBS teams (Oregon: 3-3 and Oregon State: 2-3).

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"Coach Barnum has proven he can lead our team to compete at the highest levels and is committed to developing student-athletes to be successful for the rest of their lives," athletic director Mark Rountree said in a statement.

When word of his new contract came out, Barnum relayed the news after practice and everyone seems to be delighted with the move.

Barnum however advised everyone to use it as motivation rather than a distraction as they prepare for their next opponent.

But inside, Barnum felt pretty much fulfilled after being appointed on a permanent basis. He has apparently long dreamed of being a head coach and apparently he has proven that with the Vikings.

Aside from having copped his life-long dream, Barnum understands that the pressure could go up a notch and that he has his work cut out for him.

"The pressure is why people coach," he said via The Oregonian. "They enjoy the roller coaster. The guy behind the desk who can't come out and do something different, I don't want to live that life."

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