By PAUL SCHWARTZ

The contract extension for Tom Coughlin that kept on growing and growing in value as the Giants surged to victory in Super Bowl XLII is likely to be officially announced Thursday, even though the basics of the deal have been set for a few weeks.

Coughlin is expected to sign a four-year deal worth slightly more than $20 million, assuring he’ll be under contract with the Giants through the 2011 season, when he will be 65 years old.

Coughlin came to the Giants in 2004 with a four-year, $12 million deal and following last season was given a one-year extension for $3.5 million. It’s expected the Giants will rip up that extended year for the new and more lucrative package.