Dubbo product Pay was touted as being under pressure after his side's winless start to 2019 which has seen them concede 76 points in two games.

But in a giant show of faith, the Bulldogs board on Friday unanimously voted to re-sign him until the end of 2020, releasing the pressure valve and giving him a chance to see the job through.

"The NRL is generally not a patient sport, but that said, some things simply take time," said Bulldogs CEO Andrew Hill.

"Giving a coach only 12 months with an inherited squad and several challenges was not an option for the current board and management.

"We support our people and believe in Dean's ability and want to provide him with the best environment to succeed."

After taking over from Des Hasler last year, former Dubbo CYMS coach Pay inherited one of the most difficult jobs in the NRL, a club hamstrung by a salary cap mess.

Former players such as Moses Mbye and Aaron Woods are still having part of their wages paid by the Bulldogs despite being at other clubs.

Club chair Lynne Anderson has previously said their salary cap mess will prevent them from making any major signings until 2021.

"Last year Dean inherited a squad and a salary cap situation that were not of his making and we believe it would be unfair to judge him on that," Anderson said.

"He now gets the chance to shape the future of our football team in his own way."

Pay will now be given a chance to turn around the Bulldogs, who this year will field the youngest squad in the competition.

"I'm genuinely excited about the future of this club," Pay said.

"We have a young squad that has great potential and anything we achieve in the future will be based on the simple principles of hard work and togetherness.

"This is a proud club with an incredibly passionate supporter base and I want us to play the type of football that brings them the success that they deserve."