Mike Leach (American football coach)

Mike Leach

Washington State football coach Mike Leach during a 2012 season game
Sport(s) Football
Current position
Title Head Coach
Team Washington St.
Conference Pac-12
Record 12–25
Annual salary $2.2 million [1]
Biographical details
Born March 9, 1961
Susanville, California
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
1987
1988
1989
1989–1991
1992–1993
1994-1996
1997–1998
1999
2000–2009
2012–Present		 Cal Poly-SLO (OL)
College of the Desert (LB)
Pori Bears
Iowa Wesleyan (OC/OL)
Valdosta St. (OC/WR/QB)
Valdosta St. (OC/OL)
Kentucky (OC/QB)
Oklahoma (OC/QB)
Texas Tech
Washington St.
Head coaching record
Overall 96–68
Bowls 5–5

Statistics

Accomplishments and honors

Championships

Awards

George Munger Award (2008)
Woody Hayes Trophy (2008)
Big 12 Coach of the Year (2008)
FieldTurf/Howie Long Coach of the Year (2008)

Michael Charles "Mike" Leach (born March 9, 1961) is an American college football coach. He is the head coach of the Washington State Cougars football team. Previously, he was head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team, leading the Red Raiders to winning seasons in every year of his tenure.[2]

Personal life

Born to Frank and Sandra Leach[3] in Susanville, California, Mike Leach claims Cody, Wyoming, as his hometown.[4] He graduated from Cody High School before studying at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he closely followed the exploits of the BYU Cougars football team. The Cougars, guided by head coach LaVell Edwards and offensive coordinator Norm Chow, played a pass-oriented offense. Leach graduated in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in American studies.[5]

In 1986, Leach earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pepperdine University School of Law. Leach is also one of the most prominent graduates of the United States Sports Academy, from which he earned a Master's of Sports Science in Sports Coaching in 1988. Leach is married with four children. He was raised a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Leach is atypical among NCAA Division I head football coaches, in that he did not play football at the college level. He is one of only five such coaches along with Paul Johnson at Georgia Tech, David Cutcliffe at Duke, George O'Leary at UCF, and Hugh Freeze at Ole Miss.

Famous among fans for his fascination with 18th-century pirates such as Blackbeard and Calico Jack, Leach has lectured his players on the history of pirates, and told them before games to "swing their swords." His office has been described as a museum of pirate paraphernalia.[6][7] In particular, Leach admires the teamwork exhibited by pirates:

“ Pirates function as a team. There were a lot of castes and classes in England at the time. But with pirates, it didn't matter if you were black, white, rich or poor. The object was to get a treasure. If the captain did a bad job, you could just overthrow him. ”

—Mike Leach, [6]

Leach's affinity for pirates came to bear in a cameo he made on the TV series Friday Night Lights. In the show's fourth season, he portrays a "random loon" at a gas station who implores a despondent coach Eric Taylor to "swing your sword" and "find your inner pirate."[8]

Leach spends time during each off-season learning as much as he can about various things that interest him. Aside from pirates, he has researched topics such as Native American leader Geronimo, American pioneer Daniel Boone, grizzly bears, chimpanzees, whales, and American artist Jackson Pollock.[7]

Coaching career

Offensive scheme

Leach is known for building some very potent offenses, directing very prolific passing-oriented teams that have broken school and NCAA records at Valdosta State and Kentucky where he was offensive coordinator under Hal Mumme, developing their famed "Air Raid Offense",[9] at Oklahoma under head coach Bob Stoops,[10] and Texas Tech, where he became head coach in 2000. Leach's spread offense relies heavily on passing and he has seen several of his quarterbacks post NCAA records. At Kentucky he tutored prospect Tim Couch into a No. 1 NFL draft pick. At Oklahoma, Josh Heupel became an NFL draft pick following a year under Leach's tutelage.

Leach's tenure at Texas Tech produced most of the Red Raiders' school leaders in passing and receiving.

Texas Tech

The Leach-coached Red Raiders' best finishes came with their nine-win seasons in 2002, 2005, and 2007 and an 11-win season in 2008. In 2002, Tech swept its in-state conference rivals Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M for the first time since 1997 and then defeated Clemson, 55–15, in the Tangerine Bowl. It was the Red Raiders' first postseason win since 1995 when they beat the Air Force Falcons in the Copper Bowl. In 2005, the Red Raiders opened their season with a 6–0 record, their best start since 1998, and defeated Oklahoma for the first time under Leach. Leach built a strong passing offense at Tech, where the Red Raiders led the NCAA in passing yardage for four years in a row.

He inserted Kliff Kingsbury at quarterback for three years. Kingsbury broke the NCAA records for completions in a career. Kingsbury was succeeded at the position by B. J. Symons, who produced the most passing yards in a season in NCAA history. Sonny Cumbie followed, leading the Red Raiders to an upset of the then-4th ranked California in the Holiday Bowl. Cody Hodges succeeded Cumbie, and subsequently lead the NCAA in passing. Graham Harrell, the first non-senior starting QB since Kingsbury, struggled early in the 2006 season. However, he showed steady improvement beginning with the game against Iowa State and ended the season with a record-setting comeback victory over the Minnesota Golden Gophers. Harrell also set NCAA records for passes completed in a season and career amongst others.

Leach, shown on the left, made a U.S. Navy air traffic controller an honorary team captain for the 2004 Holiday Bowl

Under Mike Leach, Texas Tech was known for its high-scoring offense and come-from-behind victories. A 70–35 win over TCU in 2004 began with TCU leading 21–0 with eight minutes remaining in the second quarter. Before Tech's scoring drives started, a TCU defensive back was caught mouthing into a TV camera, "They aren't going to score." Later in the season, Texas Tech beat Nebraska, 70–10, forcing the Cornhuskers to give up more points in a single game than they had before in their 114-year history. In 2005, the Red Raiders were losing to Kansas State, 13–10, late in the second quarter but won the game 59–20. Also in 2005, Tech had a halftime lead of 14–10 over Texas A&M. By the end of the game, they increased the margin to 56–17. It was the Aggies' worst loss to the Red Raiders in the 64-year-old series.[7]

Leach also coached the biggest comeback in NCAA Division I-A bowl game history in the 2006 Insight Bowl versus the University of Minnesota. With Texas Tech trailing 38–7 in the third quarter, the Red Raiders overcame this 31-point deficit and beat the Golden Gophers 44–41 in overtime, topping BYU's 28 point comeback against SMU in the 1980 Holiday Bowl. In addition, Leach won the 2008 Gator Bowl 31–28 after trailing 28–14 with 3:39 remaining.

Mike Leach was chosen to coach the South team during the 2007 inaugural Inta Juice North-South All-Star Classic game.

At the end of the 2008 season, Leach was 76–39 with the Red Raiders, including 7–2 against the Texas A&M Aggies and 2–7 against the Texas Longhorns.[11] With a 5–4 record, he is the all-time winningest coach in postseason play in Tech football history. Leach is one of only sixteen active college football coaches who have never had a losing season. Of those, he is among nine who have been a head coach for at least five seasons.[12]

In February 2009, Leach signed a three-year contract extension with Texas Tech that would pay him at least $2.5 million per year if he stayed in place through 2013. Leach's guaranteed compensation would have been $1.6 million in 2006, $1.65 million in 2007, $1.75 million in 2008, $1.85 million in 2009 and $2.15 million in 2010.[13]

2007 Texas game controversy

During his post-game press conference after the 2007 game against Texas, Leach used most of his time to rail against the officiating crew for what he felt were bad calls.[14][15] He speculated that the officials may have favored Texas because the head official lived in Austin, because they were incompetent, or possibly because the conference wanted Texas to appear in a BCS bowl because of the increased appearance fees that such a bowl generates for the conference.[16][17] Jim Vertuno of the Associated Press wrote "Leach was upset officials disallowed two Tech touchdowns in the third quarter. The first was overruled when video replay clearly showed the receiver let the ball hit the ground. On the next play, a touchdown pass was negated by a holding penalty. Leach also wanted, but didn't get, a flag for roughing the quarterback."[17][18] The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported, "Big 12 policy prohibits coaches from commenting publicly about game officials, so Leach's actions leave him open to reprimand, fine or worse."[15] ESPN reported, "Big 12 official spokesman Bob Burda did not immediately respond to telephone messages seeking comment. Leach's rant will likely draw a fine from the league and possibly a suspension."[19]

On November 13, 2007, the Big 12 fined Leach $10,000, the largest fine in Big 12 history.[20] Leach also received a reprimand and was warned that further violations could result in suspension.[21] In a Big 12 coaches' conference call that day, Leach added that he does not regret making any of the comments.[22] Leach announced that he would appeal the fine.[23] Tech alumni and fans began raising money to aid Leach in paying the penalty in the event that it was upheld. Optionally, the proceeds raised could be used charitably.[24] So, just before Christmas 2007, Leach requested that the nearly $5,000 raised to that point be spent on 400 hams to be given free to families in Lubbock, Texas. Future donations were to go to the university or athletic department.[25] Following the 2008 Gator Bowl, in which Virginia scored twice on penalties against Tech for intentional grounding in the end zone, Leach joked, "I felt like we had a back there on the one safety, but I don't comment on officiating. I just give out hams is what I do."[26]

2008 season

Leach, along with players Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree were featured on the cover of the 2008 edition of Dave Campbell's Texas Football.[27] The magazine predicted that the 2008 Red Raider football team would be the best in Texas and would challenge for the Big 12 South title.[28] Following a 9–0 beginning to the season, including a win over the undefeated #1 Texas Longhorns, Texas Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers announced that the university would renegotiate Leach's contract following the conclusion of the football regular season and give him an extension.[29]

The Red Raiders ended the 2008 regular season with 11 wins and 1 loss, the best in school history. The season also marked the first win over a #1 ranked team. Tech, along with Oklahoma and Texas, shared the Big 12 Conference South division title. On December 2, 2008, the Associated Press named Leach the Big 12 Coach of the Year. He received 16 votes for the honor by the agency's panel, while Texas' Mack Brown got 4.[30] He won co-Coach of the Year honors from the Big 12 coaches; Oklahoma's Bob Stoops received the same recognition for the same season.[31] The Dallas Morning News named him Coach of the Year as well.[32] He garnered the 2008 George Munger Award, which is given annually to the top college coach of the year by the Maxwell Football Club.[33]

After much controversy about how the tie-breaker should be handled between Texas, Oklahoma, and Texas Tech fans, the Red Raiders ended up being left out of the BCS because of a rule that states only two teams from each conference can enter BCS play per season.[34] Oklahoma won the tie-breaker on account of their higher BCS ranking, ultimately losing to Florida in the national championship.[35] Texas Tech also ended up losing that year in the Cotton Bowl to Ole Miss 47–34, making Texas the only team of the three to win their bowl game.[36]

Leach interviewed for the University of Washington head coaching job, which was vacated by Tyrone Willingham.[37][38][39] ESPN reported that Leach withdrew his name from the coaching search following his interview, for reasons only dictated by common sense.[40] Auburn, where Tommy Tuberville resigned,[41] had also been rumored to have contacted Leach.[42] In an interview with the Associated Press, Tech quarterback Graham Harrell stated that there was a "great chance" Leach could leave. Harrell noted that Leach might leave for a newer challenge.[43] After Leach did not take the Washington job, Harrell retracted his statements and believed Leach would remain the Red Raiders' coach.[44]

Tech athletic director Gerald Myers had indicated that he would give a raise to Leach before Tech's bowl game, which he later negotiated.[45] Leach and the university settled on a 5-year extension worth $12.7 million after months of negotiations over the clauses of the contract.[46]

2009 season

On October 31, 2009, after the Red Raiders' win over Kansas, Leach tied his predecessor Spike Dykes as the all-time winningest coach in Texas Tech's 85-year football history.[47] On November 21, 2009, Leach passed Dykes for first all-time on the school's wins list with a win over the Oklahoma Sooners.[48]

Firing

On December 28, 2009, Leach was suspended indefinitely by Texas Tech pending investigation of alleged inappropriate treatment of Adam James, son of former SMU and New England Patriots running back (and former ESPN college football analyst) Craig James. On December 16, James suffered a concussion. He was examined the next day, and told not to practice that afternoon due to the concussion. According to a James family source, Leach ordered him to stand in the equipment room near the Raiders' practice facility. According to the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, school officials claim they gave Leach an ultimatum to apologize to James in writing by December 28 or Leach would be suspended. His attorney, Ted Liggett, disputed the characterization of events as reported by the university and other news sources, and said that James had been treated reasonably in light of his condition.[49]

Leach immediately sought an injunction that would allow him to coach in the 2010 Alamo Bowl. However, on December 30, Texas Tech fired Leach, calling his refusal to apologize to James "a defiant act of insubordination." This was the day before Leach was reportedly owed an $800,000 tenure bonus and over $1,700,000 for contractual guaranteed income for 2009.[50] Texas Tech lawyers handed a termination letter to Liggett just minutes before the two sides were to appear in a Lubbock courtroom for a hearing. Liggett was also told that Leach would not be allowed to coach in the Alamo Bowl regardless of how the hearing turned out. School officials later said that other incidents had come to light during its investigation of Leach, but declined to elaborate. Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill was named interim head coach and led the team during their appearance in the Alamo Bowl.[51][52]

In a statement, Leach said that he believed the firing was motivated in part by simmering acrimony over the contract negotiations. He also said he planned to sue Texas Tech for wrongful termination.[51]

On December 31, Leach spoke with The New York Times in his first interview since being fired from Texas Tech. He said that he did not know where James had been taken, having only ordered him taken "out of the light." He claimed the controversy stemmed from Craig James' constant lobbying for more playing time for his son, whom he characterized as lazy and feeling entitled.[53]

On January 8, 2010, Leach formally filed suit against Texas Tech for wrongful termination and other claims. He claimed that school officials not only fired him without cause, but issued defamatory statements in a willful attempt to keep him from being hired elsewhere.[54] During a deposition for the case obtained by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Adam James admitted under oath that he found the closet incident "funny."[55] In May 2010, District Judge Bill Sowder dismissed all but one of Leach's claims on the grounds of sovereign immunity, but he allowed Leach's claim for breach of contract to proceed, finding that Texas Tech had waived its immunity on this claim by its conduct. The judge also dismissed Leach's claims against three university administrators.[56][57] Both parties have taken steps to appeal the decision, although Leach's attorneys have said they would drop their appeal if Texas Tech would do likewise and allow the breach of contract claim to proceed to a jury trial.[58] Early in 2011, Texas 7th Court of Appeals ruled that Texas Tech was immune from Leach's claim of breach of contract but that Leach can claim non-monetary reparations; Leach attorney Paul Dobrowski announced his intention to appeal to the Supreme Court of Texas.[59]

In February 2012, The Texas Supreme Court rejected Leach's appeal without comment signifying their belief that Leach's lawsuit(s) were without merit. After that ruling, Texas Tech attorney Dicky Gregg stated "As we've said from the beginning, we were right on the law and the facts, and the (Texas) Supreme Court has just held that we were correct on the law."[60]

Friday Night Lights series creator Peter Berg has hinted that he has written a movie script for the characters from the TV series that is based on Leach's firing from Texas Tech.[8]

On August 6, Judge Sowder issued a summary judgement dismissing Leach's lawsuits against ESPN, Spaeth Communications, and Craig James. Leach's attorneys indicated they would appeal.[61]

Post-Texas Tech

In August 2010, Leach joined CBS College Sports Network, where he worked as a color analyst with play-by-play announcer Roger Twibell.[62]

In 2010, Leach joined host Jack Arute to co-host "College Football Playbook" on SiriusXM College Sports Nation Channel 91, which airs weekdays 12 pm – 3 pm ET.[63]

In 2011, Leach released an autobiographical book, Swing Your Sword: Leading the Charge in Football and in Life, through Diversion Books.[64][65] The book debuted at #6 on The New York Times Best Seller list.[66]

Leach was considered by many in the national media to be a candidate for the head coaching vacancies at University of Miami, University of Maryland, and University of Minnesota following the 2010 regular season. After at least two interviews at Maryland, he was considered the frontrunner for that job until the administration decided instead to hire Randy Edsall away from University of Connecticut. Leach was mentioned in connection with a number of other vacancies in head-coaching positions during 2011, including Washington State, Arizona, Ole Miss, Kansas, Penn State, and Tulane.[67] [68]

Washington State

Leach agreed to terms with Washington State on November 30, 2011 and began coaching for the 2012 season. He has a five-year rollover contract, which makes Leach the fourth-highest paid coach in the Pac-12.[69]

Leach's first season was a controversial one. Washington State was 1-8 in Pac-12 play (the lone win was an upset win over in-state rival Washington) through the end of the season, and more allegations of player abuse erupted on November 10, 2012 when star wide receiver Marquess Wilson quit the team citing "physical, emotional and verbal abuse" by the coaching staff.[70] Immediately after the allegations were made, Washington State University President Elson Floyd issued a statement indicating that he had requested investigations into the alleged incident(s) from both the WSU Athletic Department and the Pac-12 Conference.[71] The investigations determined that the claims made against Leach were without merit, and Wilson later recanted the allegations.[72] Leach received a 2-year contract extension on November 18, 2013 after leading the Washington State Cougars to their best record since 2006.[73]

Head coaching record

Year Team Overall Conference Standing Bowl/playoffs Coaches# AP°
Texas Tech Red Raiders (Big 12 Conference) (2000–2009)
2000 Texas Tech 7–6 3–5 4th (South) L Galleryfurniture.com
2001 Texas Tech 7–5 4–4 T–3rd (South) L Alamo
2002 Texas Tech 9–5 5–3 T–2nd (South) W Tangerine
2003 Texas Tech 8–5 4–4 4th (South) W Houston
2004 Texas Tech 8–4 5–3 T–3rd (South) W Holiday 17 18
2005 Texas Tech 9–3 6–2 T–2nd (South) L Cotton 19 20
2006 Texas Tech 8–5 4–4 4th (South) W Insight
2007 Texas Tech 9–4 4–4 T–3rd (South) W Gator 23 22
2008 Texas Tech 11–2 7–1 T–1st (South) L Cotton 12 12
2009 Texas Tech 8–4 5–3 3rd (South) W Alamo* 23 21
Texas Tech: 84–43 47–33 *Did not coach bowl game.
Washington State Cougars (Pacific-12 Conference) (2012–present)
2012 Washington State 3–9 1–8 6th (North)
2013 Washington State 6–7 4–5 T–4th (North) L New Mexico
2014 Washington State 3–9 2–7 T–5th (North)
Washington State: 12–25 7–20
Total: 96–68
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title
#Rankings from final Coaches Poll.
°Rankings from final AP Poll.

Notable accomplishments

Leach had notable accomplishments at Kentucky and at Texas Tech.

Kentucky

Texas Tech

Coaching tree

Assistant coaches under Mike Leach who became NCAA head coaches:

Players under Mike Leach who became NCAA head coaches:

References

  1. ↑ ESPN – Mike Leach agrees to coach Cougars
  2. ↑ "Texas Tech fires Leach". ESPN.com. 2009-12-30. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  3. ↑ "Mike Leach".
  4. ↑ "Mike Leach – MySpace profile".
  5. ↑ Coach of the Month
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 Mark Schlabach (May 7, 2008). "Eccentric Leach ready to lead Red Raiders to ultimate treasure". ESPN. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Lewis, Michael (2005-12-04). "Coach Leach Goes Deep, Very Deep – New York Times". Nytimes.com. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 http://www.grantland.com/blog/hollywood-prospectus/post/_/id/43652/the-script-for-the-friday-night-lights-movie-is-almost-done-will-be-about-texas-tech%E2%80%99s-mike-leach
  9. ↑ Trotter, Jake (2008-11-15). "OU football: A look at TT’s ‘genius’". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2008-11-15.
  10. ↑ Trotter, Jake (2008-11-22). "OU football: Tech unmasked?". The Oklahoman. Retrieved 2008-11-22.
  11. ↑ Mack Brown Football.com
  12. ↑ "Texas Tech-SMU game facts 09/03/07". LubbockOnline.com. 2007-09-03. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  13. ↑ The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Leach to become $2 million man
  14. ↑ "More on Leach's Rail Against Officials". LubbockOnline.net (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal). November 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  15. ↑ 15.0 15.1 Williams, Don (November 11, 2007). "Texas rolls over Tech". RedRaiders.com (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal). Archived from the original on October 16, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  16. ↑ Golden, Cedric (November 11, 2007). "Leach goes off deep end with comments on officiating – Expect Tech coach to be fined, at least.". Austin American-Statesman (Cox Enterprises). Archived from the original on November 13, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  17. ↑ 17.0 17.1 Vertuno, Jim (November 11, 2007). "Texas Tech coach Leach rips officials after 59–43 loss to Texas". Austin American-Statesman (Cox Enterprises). Archived from the original on November 13, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  18. ↑ Vertuno, Jim (November 11, 2007). "Texas Tech coach Leach rips officials after 59–43 loss to Texas". SignOnSanDiego.com (San Diego Union Tribune). Retrieved 2007-11-11.
  19. ↑ "Texas Tech coach Leach suggests Texas bias after loss". ESPN.com (The Disney Company). November 11, 2007. Retrieved 2007-11-10.
  20. ↑ "Texas Tech coach Leach gets largest fine in league history". USA Today. Associated Press. 2007-11-13. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  21. ↑ Durante, Joseph (2007-11-13). "Texas Tech coach Leach fined for officiating remarks". Houston Chronicle. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  22. ↑ Brown, Chip (2007-11-13). "Texas Tech coach Mike Leach doesn't regret blasting officials". Dallas Morning News. Retrieved 2007-11-13.
  23. ↑ "Texas college sports news | College Sports Blog | The Dallas Morning News". Colleges.beloblog.com. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  24. ↑ "NewsChannel 11 / Lubbock, TX: I Like Mike Campaign To Split Fine Funds With Area Kids". KCBD. 2007-11-20. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  25. ↑ Don Williams (2007-12-22). "I Like Mike' funds to provide 400 hams | Avalanche-Journal". Lubbockonline.com. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  26. ↑ Texas Tech Sports presented by The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal
  27. ↑ "Campbell picks Cove to win District 12-5A". Killeen Daily Herald. 2008-06-17. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  28. ↑ "Dave Campbell's Texas Football Cover". Houston Chronicle. 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-06-20.
  29. ↑ Eichelberger, Curtis (2008-11-04). "Texas Tech Says It Will Renegotiate Coach Mike Leach's Contract". Bloomberg. Retrieved 2008-11-04.
  30. ↑ 30.0 30.1 "Leach named Big XII "Coach of the Year"". KHOU-TV. 2008-12-02. Retrieved 2008-12-02.
  31. ↑ 31.0 31.1 "2008 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced".
  32. ↑ "Dallas Morning News' All-Big 12 Team".
  33. ↑ "Texas Tech's Mike Leach talks about Heisman, contract, coaching award".
  34. ↑ "Texas Tech-Ole Miss Preview".
  35. ↑ "Florida rides Tebow, suffocating defense to another BCS title".
  36. ↑ "Longhorns squash Buckeyes' upset dreams with 26-yard score at :16".
  37. ↑ Yanity, Molly (2008-03-12). "Leach may get 2nd UW interview". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
  38. ↑ Condotta, Bob (2008-12-03). "Texas Tech coach Mike Leach meets with UW". The Seattle Times.
  39. ↑ Yanity, Molly (2008-02-12). "Cloak and rumor in Huskies search". Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
  40. ↑ "Leach, Hill withdraw from consideration for Washington coach job".
  41. ↑ "Tommy Tuberville Resigns As Head Football Coach At Auburn".
  42. ↑ "Unofficial Auburn contact made with camp of Texas Tech's Mike Leach, source says".
  43. ↑ "Tech QB Harrell says 'great chance' Leach will leave". CNN.
  44. ↑ "Harrell reversed himself and said Leach was likely to stay".
  45. ↑ "Mike Leach visits Huskies, but Texas Tech to counter".
  46. ↑ "Leach, Texas Tech reach agreement on new contract". USA Today. 2009-02-20. Retrieved 2010-05-12.
  47. ↑ "Postgame Notes-TexasTech.com".
  48. ↑ http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112109aad.html. Missing or empty |title= (help)
  49. ↑ Leach suspended after player alleges abuse. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 2009-12-29.
  50. ↑ "Report: Tech owes Leach $1.7 million in guaranteed '09 money | CollegeFootballTalk.com". Collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com. 2010-06-01. Retrieved 2010-10-12.
  51. ↑ 51.0 51.1 "Texas Tech fires Leach". ESPN.com. 2009-12-30. Retrieved 2009-12-30.
  52. ↑ Evans, Thayer; Thamel, Pete (2009-12-39). "Texas Tech Fires Coach Mike Leach". New York Times. Retrieved 2010-05-12. Check date values in: |date= (help)
  53. ↑ Evans, Thayer; Thamel, Pete. Leach Denies He Mistreated Player. New York Times, 2010-01-01.
  54. ↑ Carver, Logan G. Leach lawsuit claims fraud, defamation. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, 2010-01-09.
  55. ↑ Adam James deposition
  56. ↑ McGowan, Matthew. "Sowder: Leach contract suit can advance, throws out other claims against Tech, individual". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, June 1, 2010.
  57. ↑ "Judge: Leach suit can move forward", AP at ESPN.com. 2010-06-01.
  58. ↑ McGowan, Matthew. "Texas Tech taking first step toward appeal in legal battle with Leach", Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. 2010-07-01.
  59. ↑ "Court frejects Leach's claim". Daily Star (Hammond, Louisiana). 2011-01-22. p. 2B. Retrieved 2011-01-22. Online publication delayed.
  60. ↑ "Mike Leach's appeal on lawsuit denied". ESPN.com. Retrieved 17 February 2012.
  61. ↑ http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/08/08/judge-ready-to-end-mike-leach-lawsuits/
  62. ↑ Kerkhoff, Blair (2010-08-16). "Leach, Twibell paired for broadcasts". Kansas City Star. Retrieved 2010-08-16.
  63. ↑ http://www.siriusxm.com/collegesports
  64. ↑ Perseus Distribution and Diversion Books Enter Agreement. PublishersWeekly.com. June 23, 2011.
  65. ↑ Deitsch, Richard. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit talks broadcasting, Ohio State Sports Illustrated. August 9, 2011.
  66. ↑ Hardcover Advice & Misc.. NewYorkTimes.com. July 31, 2001.
  67. ↑ Nunez, Tammy (2011-11-16). "Mike Leach says he's not in serious talks with Tulane". Times-Picayune. Retrieved 2011-11-26.
  68. ↑ Gimino, Anthony (2011-11-02). "Mike Leach on Arizona job: ‘It’s an exciting position’". TucsonCitizen.com. Retrieved 2012-07-14.
  69. ↑ "Mike Leach To Coach Washington State".
  70. ↑ Bellencourt, Andrew (2012-11-10). "Washington State player quits citing Mike Leach abuse". USA Today. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  71. ↑ Withers, Bud. "WSU president wants probe of football program". Seattle Times. Retrieved 11 November 2012.
  72. ↑ "Marquess Wilson recants accusations against Mike Leach and Washington State’s staff". Yahoo! Sports. 13 December 2012. Retrieved 10 January 2013.
  73. ↑ November 2013 "Mike Leach receives 2 year extension".
  74. ↑ Ybarra, Alex (2008-11-18). "Leach, Stoops' past thickens plot". The Daily Toreador. Retrieved 2008-11-21.
  75. ↑ In 2009, the team had a total of 9 wins. However, since Leach did not coach the Alamo Bowl, the season is included in this list as an 8-win accomplishment for Leach.
  76. ↑ 76.0 76.1 The team won the 2010 Alamo Bowl. However, since Leach did not coach that game, it is not included in this tally.
  77. ↑ The team finished the 2009/10 season ranked in the top 25 of both the Coaches' and AP polls. However, since Leach did not coach the final game, the season is not included in this tally.
  78. ↑ "Texas Tech University Record Book". Texas Tech University Record Book.

External links