HAMILTON, Ontario -- The Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Monday re-signed coch and director of football operations Ron Lancaster to a three-year contract, ending speculation that he would not return.

Tiger-Cats owners David Macdonald and Gerge Grant both indicated there really never was any doubt about signing Lancaster to a new deal and that the delay was simply a matter of making sure every last detail was worked out to everyone's satisfaction.

Lancaster has compiled a 50-39-1 record and led the Tiger Cats to a CFL championship in 1999 and two Grey Cup appearances. However, last season Hamilton failed to make the playoffs with a 7-11 record.

Lancaster has coached 14 years in the CFL, including previous stops in Saskatchewan 1979-80 and Edmonton (1991-97).