This isn't the first time Mike Leach has tried to get the hell out of Lubbock. He might actually succeed this time.
In 2006, Leach made a run at the Miami job. He even had friend Donald Trump contact Miami president Donna Shalala on his behalf.
Shalala didn't listen and hired Randy Shannon instead. Trump then wrote a letter to Shalala in November 2007, when the Hurricanes were struggling through a 5-7 season.
"You are my friend, but you should have listened to me," Trump wrote. "If you did, your team would be fighting for the National Championship."
The letter was confirmed by Trump assistant Rhona Graff.
Last year Leach desperately wanted the UCLA job but Bruin officials were concerned over his outspoken nature and took a pass.
Don't believe all the chatter you hear about Texas Tech rushing to get Leach a new contract. A member of Tech's Board of Regents said Wednesday that regents would be advised about the parameters of a contract offer before one is proposed to Leach and that hasn't happened yet.
The only action taken to this point is the creation of the Keep Leach site, which is seeking donations to keep the coach in town. But in the end, Texas Tech might not be able to afford Leach.
Washington interviewed the coach on Monday and Tuesday and Fresno State's Pat Hill, who interviewed with the Huskies over the weekend, reportedly has taken himself out of the running.
That leaves Leach and USC offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian as the top candidates, but the Huskies might have to battle Auburn for Leach. The Tigers are expected to move quickly to replace Tommy Tuberville and have already been in touch with the Texas Tech coach.
In other coaching news:
Toledo is expected to name Tim Beckman, defensive coordinator at Oklahoma State, as its new coach, according to Maureen Fulton and Dave Hakenberg of the Toledo Blade.
Utah State will introduce Gary Andersen, defensive coordinator at Utah, as its coach Thursday.
Tim Beckman was hired by Toledo? Really? I guess the powers that be missed the second half of the Houston game, and the entire OU, Texas Tech, and Texas games. I guess they missed the part where Oklahoma State's defense do not line up in a 3-4, 4-3, or 3-3-5. No, the Cowboys line up in the bend and submit.
Maybe it will all work out for Beckman and the Rockets. I am sure they will not face a quarterback who can throw the ball to receivers who can catch it.
Tim, rent, don't buy
Posted by: bevo | December 04, 2008 at 04:32 AM
i had no idea Leach was looking to get out so badly. Good for him. If he can go Urban Meyer wherever he goes w/ his potent passing attack it will be better for football.
He obviously doesn't need to recruit as much talent with sicko passing at his disposal. Just imagine if he could.
Posted by: Carl Spackler | December 04, 2008 at 07:59 PM