Texas Tech's Board of Regents has called a special teleconference Friday afternoon amid growing speculation that the school is preparing to part ways with coach Mike Leach.
Leach had been given a deadline of 5 p.m. Tuesday to sign a five year, $12.7 million contract extension. His current deal runs through the 2010 season and Leach earlier told about 40 supporters gathered for a rally outside the Tech football facility that he plans to honor his contract.
"I want to thank everybody for showing up," said Leach, who returned Monday night to Lubbock after attending a rugby match in Wales on Saturday and the Daytona 500 on Sunday.
"Shoot, heard about it last night. I came in on a plane kind of late. I appreciate y'all showing up. We're going to have a great team this year. We're excited about spring football and we're excited about the players here, the coaches and just looking forward to a great season."
About two hours before the deadline passed for Leach to sign the extension, the Board of Regents called a "special teleconference meeting" from 2 to 3 p.m. Friday, when in executive session, they will have a "discussion and consideration of matters ... including but not limited to the position of the football head coach."
Leach was asked Tuesday night by the Dallas Morning News if he was worried about being fired.
"Not really," Leach said. "We have an agreement both parties signed. We agreed to do two more years, and I don't see how that could be unsatisfactory to anybody. Why anybody would have a problem with two years left on my contract, I don't know."
If Leach were to be fired, Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes would likely be at the top of the list to take over the program. Dykes is the son of Tech coaching legend Spike Dykes and has served as an assistant at the school.
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