"Coach Mason is quite simply a wonderful, inspiring and gifted man," Yudof said in a statement.

On Thursday, Mason interviewed for the Michigan State job. Last week, he withdrew as a candidate for the Louisiana State job that went to Nick Saban, who left the Spartans.

Mason has reportedly told some of his recruits that he will remain as coach of the Gophers after leading them to an 8-3 record and a berth in the Sun Bowl this season. The Gophers play Oregon on Dec. 31 in El Paso, Texas.

Yudof, who met with Mason on Friday, said he and the coach discussed potential changes in his contract. He did not elaborate on what they might be.

"In the coming days, his legal counsel and ours will hold further discussions," Yudof said. "I hope these talks will result in his decision to stay with us and lead the Gophers to even greater achievements."

Mason, 49, is in the third year of a seven-year contract that pays him about $430,000 annually, $500,000 with incentives. Yudof has offered him a raise estimated at less than $100,000.