Paul McGregor will remain coach of St George Illawarra until at least the end of 2021 after signing a two-year contract extension with the red V.
McGregor will become the longest-serving coach in the joint venture's history, having taken on the head coaching role midway through the 2014 season.
The 51-year-old has coached 118 NRL games ahead of in-form Manly's visit to WIN Stadium on Saturday night.
A Country Origin, NSW State of Origin and Australia Test representative as a player, McGregor started his coaching career in the Illawarra where he progressed through the lower grades into the NRL.
An inaugural co-captain of the new St George Illawarra club in 1999, McGregor has also been on the coaching staff with Country and NSW.
"To have a good focus and purpose for the next two seasons is really comforting. To my extended family, in the players and staff, I feel very fortunate to be able to continue working with such quality people," McGregor said in a statement.
"The enjoyment I get out of coaching this proud club is something I look forward to every day.
"There is still a real appreciation of what 2019 is to bring too. My players are always my first priority and their needs come before anything else.
"There have been positive signs already. Team cohesion is strong and performance is spirited. We've had our challenges with the draw's scheduling but our game is growing and we keep improving which is the important part."
Despite a number of injuries to key players and off-field distractions, McGregor has led St George Illawarra to a steady start to the season.
Though Dragons chief executive Brian Johnston said the decision to retain McGregor was down to more than just St George Illawarra's form on the field.
"Paul is a values-driven, team-first individual who is at the forefront of personal development for both he and his players," he said.
"A testament of this is the number of Dragons who have achieved higher representative honours and those to have successfully debuted under Paul's tutelage, as well as the club's improved results in recent seasons.
"Paul's emotional intelligence and man management attributes are key to him being well-respected throughout the playing group and the club's staff in its entirety, which is another crucial reason for his extension."