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Mike Leach (American football coach)

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Mike Leach
File:LeachMike092212-18.JPG
Leach in Pullman in 2012
Current position
TitleHead coach
TeamWashington State
ConferencePac-12
Record49–40
Annual salary$3.5 million[1]
Biographical details
Born (1961-03-09) March 9, 1961 (age 63)
Susanville, California
Alma materBrigham Young University (1983)
Pepperdine University
(JD, 1986)
Head coaching record
Overall133–83
Bowls7–7
Accomplishments and honors
Championships
Awards

Michael Charles Leach (born March 9, 1961) is an American college football coach, the head coach at Washington State University in Pullman since 2012. Previously, he was the head coach Texas Tech University, leading the Red Raiders to winning records in all ten seasons in Lubbock.

Coaching career[]

Offensive scheme[]

Leach is known for building potent offenses, directing 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 "Air Raid Offense",[2] at Oklahoma under head coach Bob Stoops,[3] 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[]

Main article: Texas Tech Red Raiders football

The Leach-coached Red Raiders' best finishes came with three 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. 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.

File:Mike-Leach-Hon-Capt-Holiday-Bowl-Dec-27-04.jpg

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.[4]

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.[5] With a 5–4 record, he is the all-time winningest coach in postseason play in Tech football history. Leach was one of only sixteen active college football coaches who had never had a losing season after he left Texas Tech. This was followed by a 3–9 season in his seminal year with Washington State. Of those, he is among nine who have been a head coach for at least five seasons.[6]

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.[7]

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.[8][9] 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.[10][11] 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."[11][12] 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."[9] 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."[13]

On November 13, 2007, the Big 12 fined Leach $10,000, the largest fine in Big 12 history.[14] Leach also received a reprimand and was warned that further violations could result in suspension.[15] In a Big 12 coaches' conference call that day, Leach added that he did not regret making any of the comments.[16] Leach announced that he would appeal the fine.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19] 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."[20]

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.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23]

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.[24] 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.[25] The Dallas Morning News named him Coach of the Year as well.[26] He garnered the 2008 George Munger Award, which is given annually to the top college coach of the year by the Maxwell Football Club.[27]

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 could enter BCS play per season.[28] Oklahoma won the tie-breaker on account of their higher BCS ranking, ultimately losing to Florida in the national championship.[29] 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.[30]

Leach interviewed for the University of Washington head coaching job, which was vacated by Tyrone Willingham.[31][32][33] ESPN reported that Leach withdrew his name from the coaching search following his interview.[34] Auburn, where Tommy Tuberville resigned,[35] had also been rumored to have contacted Leach.[36] 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.[37] After Leach withdrew his name from consideration for the Washington job, Harrell retracted his statements and believed Leach would remain the Red Raiders' coach.[38]

Tech athletic director Gerald Myers had indicated that he would give a raise to Leach before Tech's bowl game, which he later negotiated.[39] Leach and the university settled on a 5-year extension worth $12.7 million after months of negotiations over the clauses of the contract.[40]

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.[41] On November 21, 2009, Leach passed Dykes for first all-time on the school's wins list with a win over Oklahoma.[42]

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.[43]

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.[44] 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.[45][46]

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.[45]

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.[47]

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.[48] During a deposition for the case obtained by the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, Adam James admitted under oath that he found the closet incident "funny."[49] 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.[50][51] 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.[52] 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’s attorney Paul Dobrowski announced his intention to appeal to the Supreme Court of Texas.[53]

In February 2012, The Texas Supreme Court denied Leach's petition for review. After that denial, 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."[54]

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.[55]

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.[56]

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.[57]

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.[58]

In 2011, Leach released an autobiographical book, Swing Your Sword: Leading the Charge in Football and in Life, through Diversion Books.[59][60] The book debuted at #6 on The New York Times Best Seller list.[61]

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.[62][63]

Washington State[]

Leach agreed to terms with Washington State on November 30, 2011 and began coaching for the 2012 season. His five-year rollover contract made Leach the fourth-highest paid coach in the Pac-12.[64]

2012 season[]

Leach's first season in Pullman was a controversial one. Washington State was 3–9 overall and 1–8 in Pac-12 play; the lone wins were against FCS Eastern Washington, UNLV, and an upset of rival Washington in the Apple Cup in Pullman. On November 10, more allegations of player abuse erupted when star wide receiver Marquess Wilson quit the team citing "physical, emotional and verbal abuse" by the coaching staff.[65] Immediately after the allegations were made, 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.[66] The investigations determined that the claims made against Leach were without merit, and Wilson later recanted the allegations.[67] Leach received a 2-year contract extension on November 18, 2013 after leading the Washington State Cougars to their best record since 2006.[68]

2013 season[]

Leach led WSU to a 6–6 regular season in 2013 that had them bowl eligible for the first time in a decade. They were led on offense by Connor Halliday, who set school and conference records for passing. The Cougars defeated USC, California, Arizona, and Utah for a 4–5 conference record. Invited to the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, Wazzu led most of the game, but lost 48–45 to the Colorado State Rams. Down by sixteen points with under three minutes to play, the Rams mounted an all-time great comeback, winning with a field goal as time expired in regulation. The Cougars led the nation in passing offense and total offense and Leach was awarded a pay raise for the Cougars' 2013 performance.

2014 season[]

The 2014 season saw the Cougars regress to a 3–9 record. The Cougars defeated Portland State 59–21, Utah 28–27, and Oregon State 39–32.

2015 season[]

In 2015, the Cougars had their breakthrough season of the Leach era with a 9–4 record, 6–3 in the Pac-12. The Cougars were invited to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, where they beat the Miami Hurricanes 20–14. This was the best Cougar record since the 2003 team went 10–3.

2016 season[]

WSU began the 2016 season with two losses, but rallied off eight consecutive wins before dropping their final two games. The success of their season, led by Luke Falk at quarterback, landed them in the Holiday Bowl in San Diego where they lost 17–12 to Minnesota of the Big Ten. WSU finished 7–2 in the Pac-12, with notable wins over Oregon and #15 Stanford. It was the Cougars' best conference finish in thirteen seasons, but the bowl loss gave WSU an overall record of 8–5.

2017 season[]

Washington State was 6–3 in the Pac-12 in 2017. They were again invited to the Holiday Bowl where they lost 42–17 to Michigan State and finished 9–4 overall.

2018 season[]

Leach recruited graduate transfer Gardner Minshew at quarterback in time for the 2018 season and it paid big dividends. The Cougars won a school record-tying ten games, the first time they had won that many in the regular season since the Rose Bowl year of 2002. They also surged as high as seventh in major polling and went into the Apple Cup with a chance to clinch the Pac-12 North title and a shot at the Rose Bowl, but lost 28–15 to rival Washington in the snow in Pullman, a sixth consecutive loss to the Huskies. The 10–2 Cougars were invited to the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio to play the Iowa State Cyclones of the Big 12. They won 28–26 for a school record 11th win.

Obama video controversy[]

In June 2018, from his Twitter account, Leach retweeted a doctored hoax video of Barack Obama's speech, produced by a conspiracy theory website and giving the appearance of Obama saying the opposite of what he actually meant. In the tweet Leach invited his followers to share their thoughts about the video, and he then spent several hours arguing with the critics of the video. Leach removed his original tweet of the video the next day and admitted that the video was "incomplete".[69] Leach did not apologize for the original tweet and engaged in a public dispute with the USA Today reporter Dan "Big Gulp" Wolken, who criticized the tweet,[70] and Leach challenged Woken to a Twitter debate.[71] In a subsequent interview to Seattle Times Leach stated that he was "not particularly sorry" for the initial tweet of the video.[72] Shortly after the initial controversy, the Washington State University administration issued a statement saying that "As a private citizen, Mike Leach is entitled to his personal opinions" and that "Coach Leach's political views do not necessarily reflect the views of Washington State University students, faculty and staff."[73]

In November 2018, University President Kirk Schulz and Vice President Phil Weiler confirmed that as result of Leach's tweet about $1.6 million of planned donor estate gifts to Washington State University have been cancelled, although "no one who had made a cash gift has asked for their money back".[74][72][75]

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) Alamo* 23 21
Texas Tech: 84–43 47–33 *Did not coach bowl game.
Washington State Cougars (Pac-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)
2015 Washington State 9–4 6–3 3rd (North) W Sun
2016 Washington State 8–5 7–2 2nd (North) L Holiday
2017 Washington State 9–4 6–3 3rd (North) L Holiday
2018 Washington State 11–2 7–2 T–1st (North) W Alamo 10 10
2019 Washington State 0–0 0–0
Washington State: 49–40 33–30
Total: 133–83
      National championship         Conference title         Conference division title
†Indicates BCS bowl, Bowl Alliance or Bowl Coalition game. #Rankings from final Coaches' Poll.
°Rankings from final AP Poll.

Achievements[]

Kentucky[]

  • Four NCAA, 42 SEC, and 116 school records broken as Kentucky's offensive coordinator[76]

Texas Tech[]

  • 10 consecutive winning seasons
  • 8 consecutive seasons with at least 8 wins
  • 4 seasons with at least 9 wins[77]
  • 1 season with 11 wins
  • 9 consecutive bowl appearances[78]
  • 5 bowl wins (most by any individual coach in the history of the program)[78]
  • 4 seasons completed with team ranked in the Top 25[79]
  • 19–11 record against in-state conference rivals Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M
  • 53–11 record at Jones AT&T Stadium, home of the Texas Tech Red Raider football team
  • 2008 AP Big 12 Coach of the Year[24]
  • 2008 Big 12 Coach of the Year[25]
  • Coached 1 Fred Biletnikoff Award (Best Wide Receiver) winner: Michael Crabtree (two-time winner)
  • Coached 1 Johnny Unitas Golden Arm Award (Best Senior Quarterback) winner: Graham Harrell
  • Coached 1 Mosi Tatupu Award (Best Kick Returner) winner: Wes Welker
  • Coached 3 Sammy Baugh Trophy (Outstanding Quarterback) winners: Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons, and Graham Harrell
  • More than 150 NCAA, Big 12 and school records broken as Texas Tech's head coach[80]
  • All-time winningest football coach in Texas Tech history[81]

Washington State[]

  • 2015 Pac-12 Coach of the Year[82]
  • 2018 Pac-12 Coach of the Year[83]
  • 4 consecutive winning seasons
  • First coach to win 11 games in a season at WSU

Coaching tree[]

Although he did not play college football, Leach played wide receiver under John McDougall the long time coach at Cody High School in Cody, Wyoming, Under Coach MacDougall, Cody played in two top division state championships while Leach was a student, winning one in 1976 in triple overtime against legendary coach John Deti's Laramie Plainsmen.

Head coaches under whom Mike Leach served:

Assistant coaches under Mike Leach who became NCAA head coaches:

Players under Mike Leach who became NCAA or NFL head coaches:

Personal life[]

Born to Frank and Sandra Leach[84] in Susanville, California, Leach claims Cody, Wyoming, as his hometown.[85] He graduated from Cody High School in 1979 and then attended Brigham Young University (BYU) in Provo, Utah, where he closely followed the exploits of the football team. Led by head coach LaVell Edwards, offensive coordinator Norm Chow, and quarterbacks Marc Wilson, Jim McMahon, and Steve Young, BYU played a pass-oriented offense, which was uncommon in college football at that time. Leach graduated in 1983 with a bachelor's degree in American studies.[86]

In 1986, Leach earned a Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Pepperdine University School of Law in Malibu, California. He is also one of the most prominent graduates of the United States Sports Academy in Daphne, Alabama, 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 coaches in that he did not play college football. He is one of only three such coaches along with David Cutcliffe at Duke, and Chad Morris at Arkansas.[citation needed]

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.[80][4] 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.

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."[55]

Leach spends time during each off-season pursuing non-sport interests. Besides pirates, he has studied topics such as Native American leader Geronimo, American pioneer Daniel Boone, grizzly bears, chimpanzees, whales, and American artist Jackson Pollock.[4]

References[]

  1. ↑ "NCAA Football Salaries". USA Today. http://sports.usatoday.com/ncaa/salaries/.
  2. ↑ Trotter, Jake (November 15, 2008). "OU football: A look at TT's 'genius'". The Oklahoman. http://www.newsok.com/ou-football-a-look-at-tts-genius/article/3322193. Retrieved November 15, 2008.
  3. ↑ Trotter, Jake (November 22, 2008). "OU football: Tech unmasked?". The Oklahoman. http://www.newsok.com/tech-unmasked/article/3324171?custom_click=lead_story_title. Retrieved November 22, 2008.
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 4.2 Lewis, Michael (December 4, 2005). "Coach Leach Goes Deep, Very Deep – New York Times". Nytimes.com. https://www.nytimes.com/2005/12/04/magazine/04coach.html?ei=5090&en=c9f46201dc95f91d&ex=1291352400&partner=rssuserland&emc=rss&pagewanted=all. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  5. ↑ Mack Brown Football.com
  6. ↑ "Texas Tech-SMU game facts 09/03/07". LubbockOnline.com. September 3, 2007. http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/090307/col_090307027.shtml. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  7. ↑ The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Leach to become $2 million man Archived October 19, 2007, at the Wayback Machine
  8. ↑ "More on Leach's Rail Against Officials". LubbockOnline.net (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal). November 11, 2007. Archived from the original on July 23, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110723193101/http://www.lubbockonline.net/blogs/RR_Don/index.php?entry=entry071110-233952. Retrieved November 11, 2007.
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 Williams, Don (November 11, 2007). "Texas rolls over Tech". RedRaiders.com (Lubbock Avalanche-Journal). http://www.redraiders.com/updates/postgame_update1.shtml. Retrieved November 11, 2007.
  10. ↑ 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). http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/sports/stories/other/11/11/1111golden.html. Retrieved November 11, 2007.
  11. ↑ 11.0 11.1 Vertuno, Jim (November 11, 2007). "Texas Tech coach Leach rips officials after 59–43 loss to Texas". Austin American-Statesman (Cox Enterprises). http://www.statesman.com/sports/content/gen/ap/FBC_Texas_Tech_Leach_Rant.html. Retrieved November 11, 2007.[dead link]
  12. ↑ Vertuno, Jim (November 11, 2007). "Texas Tech coach Leach rips officials after 59–43 loss to Texas". SignOnSanDiego.com (San Diego Union Tribune). Archived from the original on September 10, 2012. https://archive.is/20120910221947/http://www.signonsandiego.com/sports/college_football/20071110-2036-fbc-texastech-leachrant.html. Retrieved November 11, 2007.
  13. ↑ "Texas Tech coach Leach suggests Texas bias after loss". ESPN.com (The Disney Company). November 11, 2007. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3104347. Retrieved November 10, 2007.
  14. ↑ "Texas Tech coach Leach gets largest fine in league history". Associated Press. USA Today. November 13, 2007. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2007-11-13-texastech-leach-fine_N.htm. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  15. ↑ Durante, Joseph (November 13, 2007). "Texas Tech coach Leach fined for officiating remarks". Houston Chronicle. http://www.chron.com/disp/story.mpl/sports/5297655.html. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  16. ↑ Brown, Chip (November 13, 2007). "Texas Tech coach Mike Leach doesn't regret blasting officials". Dallas Morning News. http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/spt/stories/111307dnspoleach.2039fa9d1.html. Retrieved November 13, 2007.
  17. ↑ "Texas college sports news | College Sports Blog | The Dallas Morning News". Colleges.beloblog.com. http://colleges.beloblog.com. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  18. ↑ "NewsChannel 11 / Lubbock, TX: I Like Mike Campaign To Split Fine Funds With Area Kids". KCBD. November 20, 2007. http://www.kcbd.com/Global/story.asp?S=7390918&nav=3w6y. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  19. ↑ Don Williams (December 22, 2007). "I Like Mike' funds to provide 400 hams | Avalanche-Journal". Lubbockonline.com. http://www.lubbockonline.com/stories/122207/red_228189932.shtml. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  20. ↑ Texas Tech Sports presented by The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal[dead link]
  21. ↑ "Campbell picks Cove to win District 12-5A". Killeen Daily Herald. June 17, 2008. Archived from the original on January 10, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090110024723/http://www.kdhnews.com/news/story.aspx?s=26057. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
  22. ↑ "Dave Campbell's Texas Football Cover". Houston Chronicle. June 12, 2008. http://www.chron.com/commons/persona.html?newspaperUserId=ayleein&plckPersonaPage=BlogViewPost&plckUserId=ayleein&plckPostId=Blog%3AayleeinPost%3A78f57055-6577-469a-b772-1786e6c673ba&plckController=PersonaBlog&plckScript=personaScript&plckElementId=personaDest. Retrieved June 20, 2008.
  23. ↑ Eichelberger, Curtis (November 4, 2008). "Texas Tech Says It Will Renegotiate Coach Mike Leach's Contract". Bloomberg L.P.. https://www.bloomberg.com/apps/news?pid=20601079&sid=aIaLF6lHQBjs&refer=amsports. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  24. ↑ 24.0 24.1 "Leach named Big XII "Coach of the Year"". KHOU-TV. December 2, 2008. Archived from the original on March 1, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090301060023/http://www.khou.com/sports/college/stories/khou081202_cc_leachcoachof_theyear.24172699.html. Retrieved December 2, 2008.
  25. ↑ 25.0 25.1 "2008 All-Big 12 Football Awards Announced". http://www.big12sports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_OEM_ID=10410&ATCLID=3626465.
  26. ↑ "Dallas Morning News' All-Big 12 Team". http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/120508dnspoallbig12_hp.2fc95a62.html.
  27. ↑ "Texas Tech's Mike Leach talks about Heisman, contract, coaching award". http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/story/1098052.html.
  28. ↑ "Texas Tech-Ole Miss Preview". https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/preview?gid=200901020086&prov=ap.
  29. ↑ "Florida rides Tebow, suffocating defense to another BCS title". Archived from the original on October 21, 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131021193136/http://espndb.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=290080201&confId=80.
  30. ↑ "Longhorns squash Buckeyes' upset dreams with 26-yard score at :16". http://espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=290050251.
  31. ↑ Yanity, Molly (March 12, 2008). "Leach may get 2nd UW interview". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. http://www.seattlepi.com/huskies/390598_husk04.html.
  32. ↑ Condotta, Bob (December 3, 2008). "Texas Tech coach Mike Leach meets with UW". The Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/huskies/2008462306_uwfb03.html.
  33. ↑ Yanity, Molly (February 12, 2008). "Cloak and rumor in Huskies search". Seattle Post-Intelligencer. http://www.seattlepi.com/huskies/390397_husk03.html.
  34. ↑ "Leach, Hill withdraw from consideration for Washington coach job". http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=3745354.
  35. ↑ "Tommy Tuberville Resigns As Head Football Coach At Auburn". http://auburntigers.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120308aaa.html.
  36. ↑ "Unofficial Auburn contact made with camp of Texas Tech's Mike Leach, source says". http://blog.al.com/spotnews/2008/12/is_auburn_looking_at_texas_tec.html.
  37. ↑ "Tech QB Harrell says 'great chance' Leach will leave". CNN. Archived from the original on March 5, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090305083242/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/ncaa/12/05/mike-leach.ap/index.html?eref=si_ncaaf.
  38. ↑ "Harrell reversed himself and said Leach was likely to stay". http://www.iht.com/articles/ap/2008/12/10/sports/FBC-T25-Harrell-Leach.php.
  39. ↑ "Mike Leach visits Huskies, but Texas Tech to counter". http://www.star-telegram.com/college_sports/story/1073669.html.
  40. ↑ "Leach, Texas Tech reach agreement on new contract". USA Today. February 20, 2009. https://www.usatoday.com/sports/college/football/big12/2009-02-19-texas-tech-leach_N.htm. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  41. ↑ "Postgame Notes-TexasTech.com". http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/103109aad.html.
  42. ↑ "Texas Tech Postgame Notes". November 21, 2009. http://www.texastech.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112109aad.html.
  43. ↑ Leach suspended after player alleges abuse. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, December 29, 2009.
  44. ↑ "Report: Tech owes Leach $1.7 million in guaranteed '09 money | CollegeFootballTalk.com". Collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com. June 1, 2010. http://collegefootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2010/06/01/report-tech-owes-leach-17-million-in-guaranteed-09-money/. Retrieved October 12, 2010.
  45. ↑ 45.0 45.1 "Texas Tech fires Leach". ESPN.com. December 30, 2009. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4781981. Retrieved December 30, 2009.
  46. ↑ Evans, Thayer; Thamel, Pete (December 30, 2009). "Texas Tech Fires Coach Mike Leach". New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/31/sports/ncaafootball/31leach.html. Retrieved May 12, 2010.
  47. ↑ Evans, Thayer; Thamel, Pete. Leach Denies He Mistreated Player. New York Times, January 1, 2010.
  48. ↑ Carver, Logan G. Leach lawsuit claims fraud, defamation. Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, January 9, 2010.
  49. ↑ Adam James deposition
  50. ↑ McGowan, Matthew. "Sowder: Leach contract suit can advance, throws out other claims against Tech, individual". Lubbock Avalanche-Journal, June 1, 2010.
  51. ↑ "Judge: Leach suit can move forward", AP at ESPN.com. June 1, 2010.
  52. ↑ McGowan, Matthew. "Texas Tech taking first step toward appeal in legal battle with Leach", Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. July 1, 2010.
  53. ↑ "Court frejects Leach's claim". Daily Star (Hammond, Louisiana): p. 2B. January 22, 2011. Archived from the original on January 25, 2013. https://archive.is/20130125041405/http://www.hammondstar.com/top_sports_stories/. Retrieved January 22, 2011. Online publication delayed.
  54. ↑ "Mike Leach's appeal on lawsuit denied". ESPN.com. http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/7585199/mike-leach-texas-supreme-court-denies-appeal-wrongful-termination-suit-vs-texas-tech. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
  55. ↑ 55.0 55.1 "Archived copy". Archived from the original on March 23, 2012. https://web.archive.org/web/20120323194629/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. Retrieved March 19, 2012.
  56. ↑ "Judge Ready To End Mike Leach Lawsuits « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth". Dfw.cbslocal.com. August 8, 2013. http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2013/08/08/judge-ready-to-end-mike-leach-lawsuits/. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
  57. ↑ Kerkhoff, Blair (August 16, 2010). "Leach, Twibell paired for broadcasts". Kansas City Star. Archived from the original on August 19, 2010. https://web.archive.org/web/20100819051554/http://campuscorner.kansascity.com/node/1049. Retrieved August 16, 2010.
  58. ↑ "SiriusXM College Sports Nation, Talk Radio - SiriusXM Radio". Siriusxm.com. http://www.siriusxm.com/collegesports. Retrieved October 29, 2016.
  59. ↑ Perseus Distribution and Diversion Books Enter Agreement. PublishersWeekly.com. June 23, 2011.
  60. ↑ Deitsch, Richard. ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit talks broadcasting, Ohio State Sports Illustrated. August 9, 2011.
  61. ↑ Hardcover Advice & Misc.. NewYorkTimes.com. July 31, 2001.
  62. ↑ Nunez, Tammy (November 16, 2011). "Mike Leach says he's not in serious talks with Tulane". Times-Picayune. http://www.nola.com/tulane/index.ssf/2011/11/former_coach_leach_says_hes_no.html. Retrieved November 26, 2011.
  63. ↑ Gimino, Anthony (November 2, 2011). "Mike Leach on Arizona job: 'It's an exciting position'". TucsonCitizen.com. http://tucsoncitizen.com/wildcatreport/2011/11/02/mike-leach-on-arizona-job-its-an-exciting-position/. Retrieved July 14, 2012.
  64. ↑ "Mike Leach To Coach Washington State". Archived from the original on December 2, 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20111202023741/http://washingtonstate.scout.com/2/1134379.html.
  65. ↑ Bellencourt, Andrew (November 10, 2012). "Washington State player quits citing Mike Leach abuse". USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/pac12/2012/11/10/marquess-wilson-washington-state-leaves-team-coaching-abuse/1697021/. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  66. ↑ Withers, Bud. "WSU president wants probe of football program". Seattle Times. http://seattletimes.com/html/sports/2019659656_wsuinquiry12m.html. Retrieved November 11, 2012.
  67. ↑ "Marquess Wilson recants accusations against Mike Leach and Washington State's staff". Yahoo! Sports. December 13, 2012. https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/marquess-wilson-recants-accusations-against-mike-leach-washington-172000214--ncaaf.html. Retrieved January 10, 2013.
  68. ↑ "Mike Leach receives 2 year extension". http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/9996715/mike-leach-contract-extended-washington-state-cougars. Retrieved November 18, 2013.
  69. ↑ Calkins, Matt (June 22, 2018). "Q&A: Days after posting doctored Obama video on Twitter, WSU coach Mike Leach has much more to say". Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-football/qa-days-after-posting-doctored-obama-video-on-twitter-wsu-coach-mike-leach-has-much-more-to-say/. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  70. ↑ Wolken, Dan (June 18, 2018). "Mike Leach's tweet of an anti-Obama hoax showed why many schools won't hire him". USA Today. https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/college/columnist/dan-wolken/2018/06/18/mike-leach-twitter-shows-why-bigger-schools-avoid-hiring-him/710530002/. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  71. ↑ Young, Ryan (June 20, 2018). "Mike Leach starts Twitter beef with USA Today columnist over fake Barack Obama conspiracy video". Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-starts-twitter-beef-usa-today-columnist-fake-barack-obama-conspiracy-video-041443198.html. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  72. ↑ 72.0 72.1 Bromberg, Nick (November 16, 2018). "Washington State: We lost $1.6 million in pledges after Mike Leach tweeted fake Obama video". Yahoo Sports. https://sports.yahoo.com/washington-state-lost-1-6-million-pledges-mike-leach-tweeted-fake-obama-video-152720804.html. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  73. ↑ "Mike Leach spends Father's Day arguing on Twitter about heavily edited Barack Obama conspiracy video". Yahoo Sports. June 18, 2018. https://sports.yahoo.com/mike-leach-spends-fathers-day-arguing-twitter-heavily-edited-barack-obama-conspiracy-video-050851547.html. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  74. ↑ Tomtas, Justyna (November 15, 2018). "Mike Leach’s tweet of doctored Obama video cost WSU $1.6 million in donations". Seattle Times. https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/wsu-cougar-football/mike-leachs-tweet-of-doctored-obama-video-cost-wsu-1-6-million-in-estate-donations/. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  75. ↑ West, Jenna (November 16, 2018). "Mike Leach's Obama Conspiracy Video Tweet Cost Washington State $1.6 Million in Donations". Sports Illustrated. https://www.si.com/college-football/2018/11/16/mike-leach-obama-tweet-conspiracy-video-lost-donations-washington-state. Retrieved November 17, 2018.
  76. ↑ Ybarra, Alex (November 18, 2008). "Leach, Stoops' past thickens plot". The Daily Toreador. Archived from the original on February 26, 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090226024931/http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2008/11/18/Sports/Leach.Stoops.Past.Thickens.Plot-3548874.shtml. Retrieved November 21, 2008.
  77. ↑ 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.
  78. ↑ 78.0 78.1 The team won the 2010 Alamo Bowl. However, since Leach did not coach that game, it is not included in this tally.
  79. ↑ 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.
  80. ↑ 80.0 80.1 Mark Schlabach (May 7, 2008). "Eccentric Leach ready to lead Red Raiders to ultimate treasure". ESPN. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/columns/story?columnist=schlabach_mark&id=3385098. Retrieved December 31, 2009.
  81. ↑ "Texas Tech University Record Book". Texas Tech University Record Book. http://issuu.com/techathletics/docs/2012ttu_records_book?mode=window&backgroundColor=%23222222.
  82. ↑ ConferenceDec 1, Pac-12; 2015. "Pac-12 announces football players and co-coaches of the year" (in en). https://pac-12.com/article/2015/12/01/pac-12-announces-football-players-and-co-coaches-year.
  83. ↑ ConferenceDec 4, Pac-12; 2018. "Pac-12 Football All-Conference honors announced" (in en). https://pac-12.com/article/2018/12/03/pac-12-football-all-conference-honors-announced.
  84. ↑ "Mike Leach". http://www.nndb.com/people/573/000166075/.
  85. ↑ "Mike Leach – MySpace profile". Archived from the original on November 19, 2008. https://web.archive.org/web/20081119174116/http://profile.myspace.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=user.viewprofile.
  86. ↑ Coach of the Month Archived May 31, 2006, at the Wayback Machine

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