By James Clark | email
Posted By Amber Stegall | email
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Mike Leach claims in court records that he was "railroaded" by a faulty and biased investigation in the days before he was fired as Texas Tech football coach. Amended court documents were filed Tuesday morning in an ongoing legal action between the two sides.
Leach was fired December 30th amid allegations that he mistreated player Adam James; which Leach denies. Leach's updated pleadings claim that Chancellor Kent Hance worked in concert with members of the board of Regents to fire Leach.
The pleadings go so far as to say President Guy Bailey warned that Hance was going to quote/unquote "railroad Leach". One possible motive described by the latest court records is "Hance and Craig James were in business together." Craig James is both a nationally known broadcaster and the father of player Adam James. The court records also paint the younger James in a very negative light, describing him as ill tempered to the point that he destroyed a door in the athletic offices.
But the allegations don't stop there. The latest Leach filing says Leach was suspended December 28th for refusing to sign a document that would make him look guilty. Further the latest pleading says Leach was warned in advance that if he sought court action on the morning of Wednesday, December 30th, he would be fired. The pleading says Leach chose to go forward and was given a termination notice right before a scheduled court hearing.
The pleading says Texas Tech acted in bad faith because Tech officials could do anything under the cloak of sovereign immunity. Sovereign immunity is a legal concept that forbids you from suing the state without the state's permission, and Texas Tech is a political subdivision of the state of Texas.
NewsChannel 11 has left a message for the Chancellor. We did talk to the Chancellor last week and asked him if he had a business relationship with Craig James. He said no.
Update: 2:45 PM, 1/12/10
Response to Mike Leach's Latest Petition
The termination of Coach Leach was the result of his treatment of a player with a brain concussion and insubordination. We have reviewed the third amendment petition filed by Coach Leach's legal counsel and it contains numerous falsehoods and gross inaccuracies. Our position will be set forth through the litigation process.
By James Clark | email
Posted By Amber Stegall | email
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Texas Tech argues in court documents filed Tuesday morning that, for the most part, fired football coach Mike Leach does not have the right to sue the University.
Tech is protected from lawsuits by a concept called sovereign immunity. It means you cannot sue the state without the state's permission. Texas Tech argues that there are only five exceptions to sovereign immunity and Tech further argues that four have not been mentioned by Leach.
The one exception that might apply, Tech argues, is for breach of contract. Leach was fired December 30th amid allegations he mistreated player Adam James. Leach denies any wrongdoing.
Both sides are due in court for a hearing on January 20th.
By James Clark | email
Posted By Amber Stegall | email
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Texas Tech argues in court documents filed Tuesday morning that, for the most part, fired football coach Mike Leach does not have the right to sue the University.
Tech is protected from lawsuits by a concept called sovereign immunity. It means you cannot sue the state without the state's permission. Texas Tech argues that there are only five exceptions to sovereign immunity and Tech further argues that four have not been mentioned by Leach.
The one exception that might apply, Tech argues, is for breach of contract. Leach was fired December 30th amid allegations he mistreated player Adam James. Leach denies any wrongdoing.
Both sides are due in court for a hearing on January 20th.
Mike Leach’s legal team fired back Tuesday against claims from Texas Tech’s administrators that the former coach deserved to be dismissed.
Leach’s legal team, in another set of amendments filed in a Lubbock County court, claim that Texas Tech wrongfully terminated the coach.
They are seeking redress on seven grounds:
– Breach of contract.
– Defamation.
– Fraud in the inducement.
– Negligent misrepresentation.
– Violations of the Texas Whistleblower Act.
– Violations of Leach’s right to due process.
– Revoking his right to property.
Leach’s attorneys are also requesting the court deny Tech’s claims that it cannot be sued as a state entity under the provision known as “sovereign immunity.” Under that doctrine, an agency or entity cannot be sued unless the state gives its permission.
His attorneys have scheduled a press conference for 2 p.m. today at the Embassy Suites, 5215 S. Loop 289.
(The A-J will continue updating this story as it unfolds. Keep checking back with lubbockonline.com or read Wednesday’s edition of the A-J.)
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
Story last updated at 1/12/2010 - 12:52 am
AUSTIN - The governor's office has been flooded with comments about fired Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach, but the governor and his potential Democratic rival are not planning to get involved in the issue - which is exactly what the callers want.
Gov. Rick Perry's office "received 213 pieces of correspondence and 85 phone calls regarding Mike Leach," said Perry press secretary Allison Castle.
Even though the heat has been felt in Austin, an interview with Tech Chancellor Kent Hance in Sunday's Avalanche-Journal has cut the uproar somewhat in one Lubbock office, according to Tech Alumni Association vice president Jim Douglass.
Hance responded to a set of questions from the newspaper about the issue. A similar list of questions was sent to Leach's team, but they declined to respond, saying legal filings and an interview on ESPN would be all they had to say at this time.
"A lot of this reaction was before the article was published," Douglass said in reference to the e-mails, letters and phone calls critical of Leach's firing.
Tech introduced Tommy Tuberville as its new head football coach on Sunday.
Meanwhile, Perry has declined to comment on whether the regents or the administration acted properly.
Perry told reporters last week, "I think the jury may still be out on whether or not they did. I have minimal information ... what I have read in the paper, seen across the airwaves."
"I've yet to figure out how there's any winners in the way it's been playing out, which I hate," Perry said. "But my bet is that it'll get resolved, life will go on and Texas Tech will continue to have a great football program and they will have a coach that's a good, capable and very competitive coach."
In general, gubernatorial hopefuls have been equally careful on their public comments - or just silent.
"Mike Leach was a great coach, and I am a big fan, but as governor I would not micromanage the athletic personnel decisions at state universities," said former Houston Mayor Bill White. He is the presumed leader among five Democrats running for governor.
For her part, U.S. Sen. Key Bailey Hutchison, Perry's main challenger in the March 2 Republican primary, did not respond to two requests for comment e-mailed to her campaign.
Douglass said the alumni association, which is independent from the Board of Regents or the administration, is not surprised Leach supporters have complained to the governor's office.
"We've received hundreds of phone calls and e-mails as well," Douglass said. "The main nature of the complaints is that people feel that they have not heard the full story."
The LATEST:
Briles releases statement vowing his commitment to Bears
Baylor football coach Art Briles, a potential candidate to replace Mike Leach at Texas Tech, released a statement Friday saying he’s committed to the Bears.
“I am proud to be a Baylor Bear and remain committed to making this program a source of pride for the Baylor family,” Briles said in the statement, which was released by Baylor. “I feel good about the direction of our program and the foundation that has been built for future success.”
The 54-year-old Briles, a Rule native and Tech graduate, was Leach’s running backs coach with the Red Raiders from 2000-02. He’s 8-16 in two seasons at Baylor and 42-44 in seven years as a college head coach. He previously was at Houston, where he led the Cougars to three bowl games and a Conference USA championship in his five seasons, and was the longtime head coach at Stephenville High School before entering the college coaching ranks.
Briles’ affinity for running a wide-open offense could make for a smooth transition if he were to replace Leach, whose spread offense at Tech was among the most prolific in the country.
Briles’ statement did not indicate whether he would entertain offers from Tech or any other program.
The only two coaches who have expressed public interest in the Tech job are interim head coach Ruffin McNeill and former Auburn head coach Tommy Tuberville.
Player's dad in Leach firing confirms interest in running for Senate
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Famous sportscaster and central figure in the firing of Coach Mike Leach, Craig James, confirms on the record for the web site of WFAA TV in Dallas that he is interested in politics and is also interested in running for Kay Bailey Hutchison's Senate seat. Hutchison is running for Governor and will have to step down from the Senate if she wins.
Craig James' son, Adam James, made allegations that Leach abused him in the days before Leach was fired. Craig James also made a televised statement on ESPN shortly after Leach's December 29th firing.
Ruffin McNeill said Thursday he’s not nervous, just anxious to find out the final outcome of the Texas Tech coaching search.
In that regard, he could have spoken for thousands.
“Having been in coaching for 29 years, I know there’s a process to it,’’ the Red Raiders’ interim head coach said. “My spirits are up. I know we’ve done everything we’ve been able to do as far as what we can control. I’m not necessarily nervous about it, just anxious about finding out what our future is.’’
McNeill and Tommy Tuberville, the only two candidates known to have interviewed for the job, remained in play Thursday, the day after Baylor coach Art Briles’ potential candidacy ended.
Tech athletic director Gerald Myers denied reports Thursday afternoon and again Thursday evening that Alabama defensive coordinator Kirby Smart had joined the mix. Citing unnamed sources, Dallas ESPN radio affiliate 103.3 FM reported Tech planned to talk to Smart after Alabama’s season ended with Thursday night’s BCS national championship game.
“That’s something that I’m not aware of,’’ Myers said Thursday afternoon. “I know he’s a good young coach and a good young prospective coach, but at this point we haven’t made any plans to contact him.’’
Myers reiterated that position hours later and said he had not sought permission from Alabama to speak with the 34-year-old Smart, who won the Broyles Award this year as the nation’s top assistant coach.
Myers and McNeill had an hour-long conversation Thursday that Myers called “just a talk,’’ not a second interview. Either way, McNeill said he was grateful.
“He just called me in and we just revisited what we talked about — my philosophy and what my plan would be and those kinds of things,’’ said McNeill, who interviewed on Monday. “I thought it went pretty good. There’s been some time in between, so I was pleased to have a chance to go back over it.’’
Asked if Tuberville would receive a similar follow-up, Myers said, “I think if he were locally, possibly there would be. In fact, I did call and talk to Tuberville today and told him that we’re still in the process and that we hope to have a decision before long.’’
In the two days since Tuberville interviewed, the former Mississippi and Auburn coach said his desire for the job remains strong. Tuberville has cited his eight years as a Miami (Fla.) assistant, during which he recruited Dallas and Houston, and his year as a Texas A&M defensive coordinator as experience that would come in handy at Tech.
Tuberville said other programs showed interest in him after the season, but he had criteria for what part of the country he wanted to live in, the “nature of the conference’’ and recruiting factors.
“There has to be some kind of (connection),’’ he said. “It’d be hard to go into an area you’ve never been in before, because this is a business of sales and personalities and getting along with people.
“When this job came open, I aggressively went after it. I normally don’t do that, but I thought this job fit my personality — the people, the city of Lubbock, the area. I’ve spent a lot of time in the state of Texas recruiting over my 25 years of coaching college football football. It just felt right.’’
Notwithstanding the bitterness over former coach Mike Leach’s firing, Tuberville said he also thinks there is unity and potential at Tech.
“After I left, I felt great about it in terms of if I did come to Texas Tech, I thought everybody was on the same page,’’ he said. “Tech has got their foot in the door. I think Tech needs somebody to kick that door in. I feel like I would work well on both sides.’’
Tech President Guy Bailey was in Pasadena, Calif., site of the BCS title game, on Wednesday and Thursday. Thursday afternoon, Bailey said he wasn’t aware of any new interviews being arranged.
“What I do is rely on Gerald to do most of that,’’ Bailey said. “And you know about the ones we’ve brought in and the situation with Art Briles. Y’all have all that information and have it all accurately.’’
Smart, 34, won the Broyles Award this season as the nation’s top assistant coach. He played collegiately at Georgia as a defensive back from 1995 through 1998. He has coached at his alma mater, as well as at Valdosta State, Florida State, LSU and with the Miami Dolphins.
He has been a coordinator at the Division I level only for the last two seasons.
Former TTU Regent denies planned plot to fire Leach
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – Former Texas Tech Regent Jim Sowell denies any plot to get rid of Coach Mike Leach a year in advance. E-mails between Texas Tech University Chancellor Kent Hance and Sowell obtained by NewsChannel 11 detail Leach's contract negotiations back in 2008.
In an e-mail sent directly to Sports Director Pete Christy late Tuesday night Sowell, of Dallas, says he was not involved in any of the decisions that the university made about Leach after he re-signed his contract back in February of 2009.
Sowell says news of Leach's suspension and subsequent firing came as a big surprise. He tells NewsChannel 11 in his e-mail that over a year ago Hance asked for his input on Leach's contract.
On December 30th, 2008 Sowell wrote to Hance and Athletic Director Gerald Myers, "Kent, they have no leverage, don't give in. Also, I feel you should sign a contract that would not cost us too much to fire him. He has to have a big buyout, he has shown no loyalty. He has tried to get another job every year for the last four years."
Sowell went to say in the 2008 e-mail exchange that, "buyouts are important, if we had lost Leach this year, we couldn't have hired Briles if we wanted to because he had a $4 million buyout," he wrote.
The former regent says after Leach signed he had nothing else to do with his contract. "I take full responsibility for my actions one year ago and to the extent that they may have contributed to recent events I am truly sorry," wrote Sowell on January 5th, 2009.
Leach feels the e-mails dated a year ago, between Sowell and Hance suggest conspiracy and collusion. "You know I felt like we signed the contract we're on the same team we're all working together and now I find out after the fact that they're working against me to begin with," said Mike Leach in his first interview after being fired.
Sowell says any suggestion that there was a pre-meditated plan a year ago to fire him after he signed his new contract is nonsense.
Fired Leach takes his game to courthouse against TTU
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - As expected, fired Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has filed new paperwork in his lawsuit against Texas Tech University.
Today's filings include a request to the court to force Texas Tech to quickly turn over documents related to the Texas Tech football program.
Leach's attorney filed the paperwork just after 4:00 p.m. on Thursday.
The motion states: Plaintiff Mike Leach's Motion for expedited hearing on motion for expedited discovery
Comes now plaintiff Mike Leach ("Leach") and filed this motion for Expedited Hearing of his Motion for Expedited Discovery from Defendant Texas Tech University and would show the court the following:
1. Plaintiff Mike Leach, the former Head Football Coach of the NCAA Division I Texas Tech University Football Team, has filed a motion for expedited discovery relating to his lawsuit against Texas Tech University for the wrongful termination of his contract.
On December 30th, 2009, NewsChannel 11 was in the courtroom awaiting a petition hearing to allow Leach to coach the Red Raiders at the Alamo Bowl, after he was suspended for allegedly mistreating a football player after an injury.
After numerous delays in the trial, Mike Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, walked into the courtroom and announced that Leach had been fired.
Team Leach sign spotted on the Today Show
Posted: Jan 07, 2010 12:04 PM CST
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Red Raider fans continue to show their support for Mike Leach, far and wide.
In an interview Thursday morning on the Today show, a "Team Leach" sign was spotted in the background.
There is no word on who the fan might be.
Sowell denies any year-long pre-planned plot to fire Mike Leach
Former Texas Tech Regent Jim Sowell denies any pre-planned or clandestine plot to get rid of Coach Mike Leach a year in advance.
Sowell provided NewsChannel 11 Sports Director Pete Christy a fairly detailed email statement late Tuesday night in which he says, "Any suggestion that there was a premeditated plan a year ago to fire him after he signed his new contract is nonsense." Leach was suspended December 28th and fired December 29th amid allegations he abused player Adam James. Leach denies the allegation.
In the meantime emails between Sowell and Chancellor Kent Hance have surfaced in which Sowell talks about the possibility of having to fire Leach. The emails were written in late 2008 and early 2009, a time of both contract negotiations and acrimony between Leach and the Administration. Leach and Texas Tech did come to a five year contract extension worth up to $12.7 million.
"I was not involved in the decision to suspend or fire him [Leach] in any way, [and] in fact I was stunned to see he had been fired," Sowell said.
Leach sees it differently. Before Leach spoke by Satellite to ESPN from Colorado on December 31st, he first spoke by phone to NewsChannel 11. Leach said, "Those emails certainly strongly suggest some kind of conspiracy and collusion."
Leach also said, "You know I felt like we signed the contract. We're on the same team we're all working together and now I find out after the fact that they're working against me to begin with."
Sowell says in the late 2008/early 2009 emails he merely had suggestions, most of which were copied to Leach's agent. And Sowell goes on to say he gave his opinions to Leach in late 2008, face-to-face, which were not well received.
"Leach was given a more favorable contract than I was advocating," Sowell said. "My suggestions were largely ignored by the Chancellor."
But it was the Chancellor who had asked for his suggestions the first place, Sowell said.
"This is clearly a situation where everyone has lost," Sowell said. "I take full responsibility for my actions one year ago and to the extent that they may have contributed to recent events I am truly sorry."
Sowell concludes in his email statement, "I have always tried to put Texas Tech's interests first above any individuals' in all of my effort's on Tech's behalf."
Online records indicate Sowell was appointed to the Texas Tech Board of Regents by Governor George Bush in March 1995 and served until January 2001.
In wake of Leach firing, Tech pledge contacted by rival schools
Texas Tech pledge Beau Carpenter, a 6-foot-7, 275-pound offensive tackle from Sulphur Springs, said Oklahoma and Oklahoma State coaches called him the day after Mike Leach was fired.
“I had OSU and OU calling me, saying it’s not too late (to switch) because you haven’t started classes and everything,” Carpenter said Tuesday. “They said we can still work it out and everything.”
Carpenter’s father, Jeff, said Arkansas and Miami (Fla.) coaches also have tried to make late pitches, but Beau Carpenter said he remains solid to Tech. He signed a financial aid agreement with Tech in December, allowing him to enroll at midterm, and he plans to move to Lubbock on Sunday and start classes on Jan. 13.
Carpenter said his only concern is that Tech’s new head coach employs a spread offense similar to Leach’s.
“That’s one of the reasons I committed to the school, because they run the spread so well,” he said. “I would have loved to see Leach stay and everything, but I didn’t commit to him. I committed to the school.”
If he had a choice, Carpenter said he would prefer to see Ruffin McNeill, Tech’s defensive coordinator and interim head coach, named as Leach’s successor.
“He’s a real nice guy and seems like he loves the players and everything,” Carpenter said. “That’s the guy I would want to stay, for sure, and be the head coach.”
Carpenter said he’s been in contact with two other Tech commitments: defensive end Kedrick Dial, his high school teammate at Sulphur Springs, and offensive tackle Denton Simek of Prague, Okla.
“(Dial) said he’s still staying,” Carpenter said. “He said he would like to see coach McNeill stay, but either way, he said he would stay.
“Denton Simek, I had him on Facebook and I said, ‘Are you staying?’ I saw something on (Rivals.com) that said he was reconsidering. He said, ‘Well, it just depends. Are you?’ I said I’m solid either way.”
Another Tech pledge, defensive back Russell Polk of Dallas Carter, told The Avalanche-Journal last week he remains “100 percent” committed to the Red Raiders. Linebacker Fred Harvey of Memphis, Tenn., said the makeup of Tech’s next coaching staff would determine whether he sticks with his commitment, as did the father of Denton Ryan quarterback Scotty Young and the guardian of Lakeland (Fla.) receivers Ben and Javares McRoy.
Texas Tech’s search to replace former football coach Mike Leach heated up on Tuesday.
While former Mississippi and Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville was interviewing for the position, Tech athletic director Gerald Myers moved the process along on other fronts. The Avalanche-Journal learned that Tech sought permission Tuesday to talk with Baylor coach Art Briles about the job.
“Gerald Myers did call the (Baylor) athletic director (Ian McCaw),’’ one source said.
Tuberville
Another source also confirmed Tech’s overture and said the ball is in Briles’ court with it being up to him whether to interview. One possible obstacle with Briles is his contract at Baylor, which contains a $4 million buyout.
Briles did not answer calls the A-J made to his cell phone, and his voice mail was full.
One source familiar with the search said former Tulane and Clemson coach Tommy Bowden and Houston coach Kevin Sumlin are “still being looked at’’ as candidates but had not been contacted as of late in the day Tuesday.
Myers did not acknowledge any contact with Baylor, but said, “We’ve still got a little work to do, possibly a couple more interviews, so we’ll just see where that goes.’’
Tuberville had separate meetings with Myers, Tech President Guy Bailey and Chancellor Kent Hance.
“He was good,’’ Myers said. “He’s got a record that he stands on that is good. I thought it went well.’’
Interim head coach Ruffin McNeill interviewed for the position Monday, five days after Tech fired Leach. Tuberville, 55, is the second candidate known to have interviewed.
“His visit was a little different,’’ Myers said. “We showed him the facilities, which, of course, Ruffin is familiar with all that. We just told (Tuberville) that we weren’t ready to make a decision just yet, and so we’d let him know.’’
Bailey and Myers said Monday they hoped to have their next coach nailed down by the end of the week.
“It may be tough to do that,’’ Myers said Tuesday. “It may be tough to reach that timeline, but it could happen.’’
Tuberville arrived on campus Tuesday morning and was taken to fly home immediately after the interview ended around 4:30 p.m. He wasn’t made available for interviews during the day and did not immediately answer his cell phone after the interviews ended.
“I was very impressed,’’ Hance said. “He’s an impressive guy. He’s got a good game plan. I’ve seen two excellent candidates.’’
Hance said he was impressed by how well organized McNeill and Tuberville were and that each was able to give specifics of how they would operate as head coach.
“Being a head coach gives (Tuberville) an advantage, just like Ruffin’s a local guy and he has certain advantages in that regard,’’ Hance said.
Tuberville led Auburn to five Southeastern Conference West Division titles and eight consecutive winning seasons from 2000 through 2007, including a 13-0 record and a No. 2 final ranking in The Associated Press Top 25 in 2004.
Myers said Tuberville is open to the idea of doing things to maintain continuity for the Red Raiders, who haven’t had a losing season since 1992.
“He did say that he would keep this offense intact, that he’d want to continue the offense,’’ Myers said. “He said there would be some things he would do differently on defense, things that he had success with at Auburn on that side of the ball.’’
To comment on this story:
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The Tuberville trail
Background on Tommy Tuberville, who interviewed for the Texas Tech head coaching job on Tuesday.
Hometown: Camden, Ark.
College: Southern Arkansas (1976). Was a football letterman at safety and played two years on the golf team.
First job: Hermitage, Ark., High School. Spent two years as an assistant and two years as head coach, posting first winning season in school’s history.
College assistant: Arkansas State, 1980-84, defensive ends and linebackers; Miami (Fla.), 1986-93, defensive assistant and defensive coordinator (1993) on teams that went 87-9 and won three national championships; Texas A&M, 1994, defensive coordinator.
COLLEGE COACHING RECORD
1995 Ole Miss 6-5
1996 Ole Miss 5-6
1997 Ole Miss 8-4 (won Motor City Bowl)
1998 Ole Miss 6-5
1999 Auburn 5-6
2000 Auburn 9-4 (lost Citrus Bowl)
2001 Auburn 7-5 (lost Peach Bowl)
2002 Auburn 9-4 (won Capital One Bowl)
2003 Auburn 8-5 (won Music City Bowl)
2004 Auburn 13-0 (won Sugar Bowl)
2005 Auburn 9-3 (lost Capital One Bowl)
2006 Auburn 11-2 (won Cotton Bowl)
2007 Auburn 9-4 (won Chick-fil-A Bowl)
2008 Auburn 5-7
Saturday night’s Texas Tech-Michigan State Alamo Bowl had 8.9 million viewers, setting a record as the most-watched bowl game in ESPN history, an official said Tuesday.
The Texas-Iowa Alamo Bowl in 2006 was the previous most-watched ESPN bowl game all-time, according to the Alamo Bowl Web Site, drawing 8.8 million viewers.
Tommy Tuberville interviewed with Texas Tech officials for their football head-coaching job Tuesday. The former Mississippi and Auburn head coach wrapped up a day of meetings and touring facilities around 4:30 p.m. and then was on a plane back out of Lubbock, a source told the Avalanche-Journal.
Tuberville’s visit included an early afternoon tour of the Tech Football Training Facility.
Messages left for Tech President Guy Bailey, Chancellor Kent Hance and athletic director Gerald Myers were not immediately returned.
Tuberville
Interim head coach Ruffin McNeill, who guided the Red Raiders to a 41-31 victory against Michigan State in Saturday’s Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, met Monday with Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers, President Guy Bailey and Chancellor Kent Hance. Myers and Bailey said they’d like to have a replacement for Mike Leach, who was fired Wednesday after 10 seasons, in place by the end of the week.
The A-J learned Monday that Tech’s list of candidates includes four to five names: McNeill, Tuberville, Baylor coach Art Briles, former Tulane and Clemson coach Tommy Bowden and possibly Houston coach Kevin Sumlin.
Tuberville, whose 10-year tenure at Auburn ended in December 2008 following a 5-7 season, was the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 1994 and has had only two losing seasons in 14 years as a head coach. He guided the Tigers to a 13-0 record in 2004 and has an overall record of 110-60.
On Sunday, Tuberville told The A-J he would keep Leach’s spread offense in place if hired.
Ruffin McNeill apparently aced his first discussions with Texas Tech officials about the football head-coaching job, and former Mississippi and Auburn coach Tommy Tuberville could be next on the interview list.
Texas Tech interim head football coach Ruffin McNeill embraces acting offensive coordinator Lincoln Riley after the Red Raiders' win at the Valero Alamo Bowl on Saturday. (Zach Long / Avalanche-Journal)
The Avalanche-Journal learned Monday that Tech’s short list includes four to five candidates: McNeill, Tuberville, Baylor coach Art Briles, former Clemson coach Tommy Bowden and possibly Houston coach Kevin Sumlin.
Tech President Guy Bailey and Athletic Director Gerald Myers said Monday they’d like to have a choice by the end of the week.
McNeill, the Red Raiders’ interim head coach, met for about 2 1/2 hours Monday with Bailey, Myers and Tech Chancellor Kent Hance, though not all at the same time, Myers said.
“First of all, I think he is a terrific guy,” Bailey said. “I love him, and I think he is a great coach. I think a lot of the success that has come to this program the last two or three years is because of what he did as defensive coordinator. The big difference in last year and this year and earlier years is really the defense, and Ruffin is really responsible for that.
“He is a guy that is fully committed to the program and the student-athlete, and he’s a student/family focused guy, and we think he’s terrific. He did a great job, he’s a phenomenal man, and I have the utmost respect for him.”
Texas Tech interim head football coach Ruffin McMeill celebrates after the Red Raiders won the Valero Alamo Bowl on saturday at the Alamodome in San Antonio. (Zach Long / Avalanche-Journal)
McNeill said his on-campus meeting lasted from 8:30 a.m. to around 11 a.m.
“We’ve known each other, but it was a good chance for them to know me a little bit better,” McNeill said. “I thought it went well. I’ve said it before: They’ve got to do what’s in the best interests of Texas Tech. I’d be honored to be the next coach here at Texas Tech.”
Bailey came to Tech 1 1/2 years ago, so while he said he knew McNeill “pretty well,” the two had never had extended football conversations.
“It was a chance for us to sit and talk football, his football philosophy, how he’d do things, how he’d run and organize things,” Bailey said.
On Sunday, Myers said the meeting would be informal with the purpose being for Bailey and McNeill to get better acquainted. Now he said there might not need to be the additional interview he had mentioned Sunday.
“I would say he had a thorough interview with everybody and spent quite a bit of time with everybody,” Myers said.
Tech is in the process of identifying a replacement for 10-year coach Mike Leach, who was fired Wednesday for what the university said was insubordination and a lack of cooperation toward resolving a complaint of improper treatment of a player.
McNeill, an original member of Leach’s staff, was named interim head coach last Monday and led the Red Raiders to a 41-31 victory against Michigan State at the Alamo Bowl on Saturday in San Antonio.
Bailey and Myers said for the first time Monday that they’d like to wrap up the search by the end of the week.
“If possible, that would be ideal,” Myers said.
After Saturday’s game, Tech players Baron Batch, Brandon Carter, Brandon Sharpe and Jamar Wall said they think it will be best for the program if McNeill is named the permanent head coach.
Tech players have said the 51-year-old defensive coordinator is popular with them.
Michigan State coach Mark Dantonio also gave McNeill an endorsement. Though he didn’t call McNeill by name, he said coaches’ relationships with players and continuity are important to winning.
Myers and Bailey both said the players aren’t the decision makers, but their opinions are valued. Bailey compared it to faculty meeting with job candidates if Tech were hiring a dean of a college.
“We want their voice heard,” Bailey said of Tech players. “Our team handled this situation in a phenomenal way. They did a lot better than any of the rest of us did. We’re real proud of them. We have a lot of great leaders there. We wanted to make sure their voice was heard.”
Bailey said Myers has the hiring choice. At that point, the new coach will be recommended to Bailey, who will take it to Hance and the Board of Regents.
“While the decision is Gerald’s,” Bailey said, “and I will either affirm it or not affirm it, by the same token, I want our chancellor and Board of Regents to have a comfort level with the decision. It’s more important than ever for us to be unified and fully supportive.”
After his sitdown on Monday, McNeill tried to briefly escape the whirlwind of the past eight days. He went home to spend time with his wife, Erlene, and his daughter, Olivia, who is a sophomore at Appalachian State, where McNeill coached from 1989-91 and 1993-96.
“Olivia leaves to go to college tomorrow,” McNeill said. “I won’t see her again until summer.”
In the meantime, McNeill also hasn’t had time to check much of his correspondence the last few days. He said he had about 160 text messages to go through.
“I think that’s all my phone could hold,” he said. “And there’s about 60 or 70 e-mails. I haven’t had a chance to open them yet.”
Tech alumni association braces for donation cuts
By Matthew Mcgowan | AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Story last updated at 1/5/2010 - 12:35 am
Alumni backlash to last week's dismissal of Texas Tech football coach Mike Leach could handicap the university's fundraising efforts.
Many Tech graduates are bombarding the Tech Alumni Association with phone calls and e-mails threatening to halt donations to the university.
They're also facing off with other former students who - though no less upset - are remaining loyal to the university overall and pledging to continue their financial support.
Bill Dean, the association's executive vice president and chief executive officer, said administrators need to reveal more information about the circumstances surrounding Leach's abrupt suspension and termination.
An "overwhelming" amount of pro-Leach feedback has deluged his office, he said. Donors and association members can do little more than speculate based on whatever information they've been able to glean from media reports and school officials.
"They are almost 100 percent opposed to the university's firing of Mike Leach," Dean said. "They're angry and they're mad and threatening to withdraw support from every aspect of the university because of this."
It's too soon to estimate how much the university stands to lose from Leach's firing, he said, but he has no doubt fundraising will ultimately suffer.
What troubles Dean most is the association's donors fund academics. Withdrawing support would only undermine non-athletic programs.
Dean has already personally responded to about 270 e-mails reiterating this.
"I respect their opinion and I understand their opinion," he said. "I just want them to think through this a little more carefully. This is their university. This is where they got a degree. This is their diploma."
But a contingent of alumni are frustrated by the mystery shrouding Leach's dismissal, and many are accusing administrators of underhanded actions.
"There's got to be more to this," said Tech alumnus Bill Brown. "This looks really fishy. It just looks really suspicious."
Brown, a 1974 graduate who now lives in Wimberley, said he'll continue supporting the university and its football players, but he wonders if and how the program will recover.
"It makes me sad," he said. "I just think it's a sad situation."
Tech alumnus Dan Atcheson said the Leach saga has been a "worldwide embarrassment" for Tech.
Like Brown, he will continue supporting the alumni association, but he wants administrators to reveal the full story.
Atcheson, in the mean time, believes the situation warrants resignations in the university's Administration Building.
"I would like to see (Tech Chancellor Kent Hance) go and I would like to see (Athletic Director Gerald) Myers go - and anybody else who they can prove was part of this," said Atcheson, now a resident of Venice, Fla. "Again, it just comes back to the administration. If they can't shoot straight with the coach, they can't shoot straight with anybody."
Eric Pastusek, president of the alumni association's Galveston chapter, said Tech's alumni support base - based on what he saw at Saturday's game in San Antonio - appears split down the middle.
Some are threatening the university as a whole. Some are nixing athletics donations. Others are continuing their support and waiting for the smoke to clear.
Pastusek, for one, fully supports the university, he said, no matter what.
"I can only speak for myself, that I'm pro-Tech," said Pastusek, a 2005 graduate. "I loved Leach as much as everyone else did, but I'm Texas Tech first. If Leach isn't a part of Texas Tech, then it's time to move on with it.
"I'm a Texas Tech guy. I'm not going to disown my school where I own my degree. That's senseless talk."
Tuesday, January 05, 2010
Story last updated at 1/5/2010 - 12:36 am
Texas Tech has boosted security in the wake of last week's contentious firing of head football coach Mike Leach.
Officials refused to provide details about the measures, but a uniformed guard stood outside the suite of Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers Sunday during a basketball game at the United Spirit Arena.
Additionally, a cadre of police officers accompanied Tech Chancellor Kent Hance on the field during Saturday's football game in San Antonio.
TTU police cruisers were also regularly spotted last week outside Leach's former office near the team's practice facility.
Tech spokeswoman Sally Post simply said campus police are taking "appropriate measures."
Tommy Tuberville is in Lubbock today meeting with Texas Tech officials about its football head-coaching job, a source in the Tech athletic department confirmed to The Avalanche-Journal.
The A-J first reported on Monday that the 55-year-old Tuberville, the former head coach at Mississippi and Auburn, had an interview scheduled with Tech officials.
Tuberville toured the Tech Football Training Facility for about 20 minutes during the early afternoon.
Tuberville
Interim head coach Ruffin McNeill, who guided the Red Raiders to a 41-31 victory against Michigan State in Saturday’s Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, met Monday with Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers, President Guy Bailey and Chancellor Kent Hance. Myers and Bailey said they’d like to have a replacement for Mike Leach, who was fired Wednesday after 10 seasons, in place by the end of the week.
The A-J learned Monday that Tech’s list of candidates includes four to five names: McNeill, Tuberville, former Tulane and Clemson coach Tommy Bowden, Baylor coach Art Briles and possibly Houston coach Kevin Sumlin.
Tuberville, whose 10-year tenure at Auburn ended in December 2008 following a 5-7 season, was the defensive coordinator at Texas A&M in 1994 and has had only two losing seasons in 14 years as a head coach. He guided the Tigers to a 13-0 record in 2004 and has an overall record of 110-60.
On Sunday, Tuberville told The A-J he would keep Leach’s spread offense in place if hired.
Tuberville, Bowden add outsiders angle to Tech search
Texas Tech’s hunt to replace Mike Leach could include two Tommys, both of whom have a resume item that’s hard to come by: an undefeated season.
Tommy Tuberville, who guided Auburn to a 13-0 campaign in 2004, and Tommy Bowden, who led Tulane to a 12-0 record in 1998, are on Tech’s list of four to five candidates to replace Leach.
Tuberville will get an interview with Tech on Wednesday, Tech athletic director Gerald Myers said. Tuberville declined to comment Monday, but he told The Avalanche-Journal on Sunday he’d keep the wide-open Leach offense in place.
“He expressed some interest in the job, and we talked and we’re going to talk to him,’’ Myers said. “That’s about all I can comment on.’’
It’s unknown whether Tech will offer the job before the search process winds around to Bowden, who is another of the four or five candidates under consideration.
“There has been some talk about him,’’ Myers said, “but we have not made contact with him. I’m not saying we won’t, but we haven’t at this point.’’
Bowden could not immediately be reached for comment.
The two Tommys have more than perfect seasons in common. Both are 55, and each’s last job ended badly in 2008 after a decade-long tenure. Tuberville was forced out at Auburn in December 2008 after going 5-7, his first losing season since 1999 and his second in 14 years as a head coach.
Bowden was forced out at Clemson in October 2008 in the middle of his 10th year. He’s never had a losing season in 11 years as a college head coach, going 18-4 at Tulane (1997 through 1998) and 72-45 at Clemson (1999 through 2008).
Bowden’s brother, Terry, interviewed for the Tech job 10 years ago before withdrawing from consideration. He’s now head coach at North Alabama. Myers said Terry Bowden is not a candidate this time around. Both are sons of Bobby Bowden, the former Florida State coach who just presided over his last game on Friday.
Baylor coach Art Briles, in a statement released Friday by his school, said he is happy at Baylor. Nevertheless, Briles remains on Tech’s list.
When asked Monday if he had been contacted by Tech or anyone representing Tech, Baylor athletic director Ian McCaw said, “We don’t comment on those types of questions.”
“Coach Briles said he’s committed to staying at Baylor,” McCaw added, “and I take him at his word.”
Briles’ statement said he is “committed” to the Bears, but did not indicate whether he would consider an offer from another school.
Briles is a Tech graduate and former Leach assistant at Tech from 2000-02.
A spokesman for SMU said in an e-mail Monday that athletic director Steve Orsini “has not been contacted by anyone at Tech” in regards to Mustangs coach June Jones, who released a statement through the university.
“Coming off our best season in 25 years and our win in the Sheraton Hawaii Bowl, I can tell you that I am fully committed to SMU,” Jones said. “I recently accepted a contract extension and am looking forward to continuing to rebuild this program.”
Tommy Tuberville in Lubbock for Tech head coach interview
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - NewsChannel 11 was at the Texas Tech Athletic Department when Tommy Tuberville, a candidate for Texas Tech head football coach and former Auburn coach, arrived to get ready for his interview.
Tuberville is expected to meet with Tech President Guy Bailey at 11:00 a.m. and then expected to meet with Chancellor Kent Hance shortly after.
Tuberville was the Head Coach at Auburn University from '97 until 2007. In '07, Tuberville led Auburn to an 9-4 mark, including a 5-3 record in the Southeastern Conference.
Interim Head Coach Ruffin McNeill also interviewed for the job, on Monday, with Tech President Guy Bailey and Athletic Director Gerald Myers, but not with Chancellor Hance.
Other coaches that are expected to interview for the head coach position are Baylor Coach Art Briles and Arizona Offensive Coordinator, son of former Tech Coach Spike Dykes, Sonny Dykes.
Bailey says he hopes to announce the new coach by the end of the week
Yahoo Sports' Michael Silver was being facetious -- I think.
But his recent suggestion that former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach should end up with the NFL's Oakland Raiders makes a certain amount of sense.
The linking of Leach and legendary NFL iconclastic owner Al Davis could be a grouping of kindred souls. Both have a fascination for pirates, don't they?
And Leach's offensive talents would be ideal for the Raiders after Oakland's 21-13 loss to Baltimore to finish a 5-11 season. It dropped the once-proud franchise to their 11th loss for the seventh-straight season, a negative NFL record.
If Davis decides to fire Tom Cable, Leach would be an interesting choice. His talents working with young quarterbacks might help rebuild the career of former No. 1 draft pick JaMarcus Russell, who has been a massive bust to this point.
Davis is a big-time meddler in the affairs of his franchise. But it won't be any more than what Leach endured working with Gerald Myers.
Think about it. What would be better than Leach working with a team with a pirate on the side of its helmet?
And the NFL might not be as much of a reach for Leach as you might expect. I'm hearing from a couple of sources that he could end up working with Leslie Frazier at Buffalo as an offensive coordinator if the Vikings defensive coordinator gets that job with the Bills.
Leach likely doesn't need to work immediately. He'll be in court, I would imagine, as his contract is settled against Texas Tech.
But it won't be that long before we see him coaching again.
If he did end up in the NFL, he would become the most quotable NFL assistant since the days Buddy Ryan was strolling the sidelines.
Mike Leach and the Oakland Raiders: Yay, It Shall Come To Pass
Fantasy footballers, announcers, coaches, defensive coordinators and almost everyone else peripherally involved with professional football are slowly coming to a similar conclusion: the NFL is now a passing league.
But the transformation has been slow, tentative. At any moment, we're capable of regressing back to the grind-it-out, run-run-incomplete pass-punt offense of our esteemed forebears.
"Please, NFL, stop passing on first down!" we cry, clutching our heads in fear. "You're much too exciting! Put us all back to sleep now!"
Yes, the progenitor of the Airraid—the shoot-em-up attack that sent the Texas Tech Red Raiders to ten straight bowl games and propelled them to the doorstep of the national championship for at least a few weeks—is on a list of names to take over if Al Davis fires Tom Cable in the Raiders' upcoming coaching performance review.
Leach has already remade the Big 12 in his image. The conference that formerly featured 12 variations on the option-pitch now resembles a high-powered gunslingers' duel.
Leach has taken the players passed over by the big programs and plugged them into a system that is proven to succeed. By spreading the ball out to a multitude of receivers, defenders aren't able to predict where the ball will go, and the lesser secondaries have gotten torched.
It works in college. As of this year, Oklahoma, Texas, Texas Tech, Oklahoma State, Missouri, Kansas and Baylor all run some variation of the wide-open passing spread spawned from Leach's days under Hal Mumme and LaVell Edwards, and the attack is spreading to the other conferences as more and more of Leach's disciples find positions elsewhere.
So is it too much of a stretch to say the Airraid, which emphasizes quick outlets for quarterbacks and demands smooth, intuitive route-running from wide receivers, will remake the League? Will Mike Leach push the NFL from pass-favorable to pass-only?
Yes, it is; and no, he won't. Depending on your sympathies, college football is either a crucible in which to test the limits of the game, or a three-year nuisance standing between a freakishly talented high-school player and his millions of entitled dollars.
In either case, it is without question a poor, poor place for college offensive minds to ply their wares. Leach to Oakland is an experiment whose results we've already seen. Steve Spurrier, a similarly talented offensive mind who retooled the passing game, survived two seasons with the Washington Redskins before being run out.
Saying Mike Leach will go to Oakland to tutor JaMarcus Russell and make the Raiders' passing attack scary again is as insane as projecting Rich Rodriguez to take over for Mike Tomlin and retool Pittsburgh's rushing attack with the zone-read. (Dennis Dixon for NFL MVP in 2010!)
Of course, some part of me wants to see this. Leach is as good on the microphone as Ric Flair in his prime . His unorthodox approach to the media and the PR machine is praised by us old-schoolers who are tired of the PC path the game has taken.
And Leach is also an outstanding teacher; he's taken middling three-stars and broken every meaningful Big 12 passing and receiving record. He's produced league- and nation-leading offenses consistently, and demonstrated uninterrupted continuity and production between quarterbacks and receivers even within a single year. He's done much more with much less than what's available in Oakland.
But as much as I love insanity—particularly of the Leach variety —I love the integrity of Leach's system more. I wouldn't want to see it fail, as it inevitably would, at the next level. Coverages are too good, but more importantly, Leach's system would fail for the same reason Spurrier's did—it put its quarterback in too much danger.
For the amount of money a team invests in its quarterbacks, dropping back to throw an average of 50 times per game amounts to financial suicide.
Plus, Oakland's administration is diseased enough already. The deacon of the dysfunctional, Al Davis, and his perennially poor draft picks have led Oakland past mediocrity and into the land of conference irrelevance year after year.
And as many of us know, two crazy people can't date each other. Someone needs to be the steady hand, and that will never be Mike Leach.
But hey, JaMarcus Russell and Louis Murphy could be the next Graham Harrell/Michael Crabtree. Right?
If Adam Schefter tweets about it , then yay, he shall come to pass.
Al Davis Contacts Texas Tech's Mike Leach, Continues Plot To Destroy NFL
The skeletal owner of the Oakland Raiders is supposedly courting former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach for the Raiders head coach position. Before I reveal how Mike Leach, Darrius Heyward-Bey, and Bruce Gradkowski are all related in a complex and heinous plot, let us review the history of Al Davis.
Al Davis was not always the man we now see on television. Scriptures tell us that years ago, Al Davis was actually young. Not only was he young, but he was an established offensive line coach at esteemed programs such as USC, before beginning an illustrious career with the AFL’s Oakland Raiders. And, believe it or not, Al Davis won games.
In fact, Davis won almost twice as many games as he lost. Astounding, considering the team has gone 29–83 since 2003.
Yet the details concerning Davis’ professional life become murky around April 1966—coincidentally, the same time he was appointed commissioner of the American Football League. According to inside source Wikipedia.com, Davis aggressively snagged the NFL’s top players with lucrative contracts, and basically hated the NFL’s guts.
Unbeknownst to Davis, other AFL owners struck a deal with the NFL, and the two leagues merged. Al Davis’ first grey hair appeared on this day.
More importantly, Davis swore that the NFL would one day collapse in flames.
Davis bided his time, and slowly gained power in the Raiders organization. Stealing majority control from his partners, he forced his way to the top, and never let go. To this day, Davis manages all aspects of his team, including football operations.
Some portray Davis as an idiotic, crotchety old man. I beg to differ. Al Davis is at the peak of his career, slowly implementing a plan to bring down the NFL, and recreate his beloved AFL—with the Raiders as the flagship team.
Why else would he sign Darrius Heyward-Bey before Michael Crabtree? Not because he wants to see the Raiders succeed, but because he wants to mess with the 49ers. If Davis can skew the rookie salary scale, he can negatively impact other teams’ success.
Why else would he rely on quarterbacks with the names JaMarcus and Gradkowski? Because he realizes that paying for talent would only help the NFL, thus ruining his master plan.
Mike Leach is just the next part of the puzzle. In order to create his AFL, the Raiders must be removed from the NFL. The only way for Al Davis to accomplish this is to create a team so detrimental to the league that they have to be forced out.
People tell me that Davis was satisfied with Cable, especially after the coach-punching incident.
That is, until Cable started winning games. With Leach at the helm, players will be too afraid to even show up to practice. Or they might beat the you-know-what out of Leach. Either way, negative publicity for the Raiders. Or, as Al Davis would consider it, the best publicity.
So go, criticize Al Davis’ genius tactics. But don’t expect this to end anytime soon. Davis has some pretty awesome genes, and should have about 25 more years to fulfill his plan to bring the AFL back to power.
Texas Tech student Peyton Aufill shows his support for recently fired head football coach Mike Leach during a rally in Memorial Circle at Texas Tech Thursday. "(Leach's firing) doesn't hurt just Tech, but it hurts Lubbock," Aufill said. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 (Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
By MATT McGOWAN / Avalanche-Journal
Dozens braved freezing temperatures and wet, miserable weather Thursday afternoon to show their support for Texas Tech’s fired head football coach Mike Leach.
The signs at Memorial Circle, yards from the university’s empty Administration Building, said it all.
“Shame on Tech.” “Fire Myers.” “Real Men Aren’t Afraid of the Dark.”
Despite the cold rain, Mike Leach supporters rally in Memorial Circle at Texas Tech Thursday. The rally was in response to Texas Tech firing head football coach, Mike Leach, Wednesday. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 (Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)
About 40 people gathered to proclaim with vaporous breath that the university’s decision to fire the football program’s most iconic figure is still rippling through Raider Nation.
The crowd chanted and whooped as pirate-flag-laden vehicles circled the crowd, honking.
“Leach is the coach,” the crowd cheered. “Myers is a roach!”
“We love Mike! We love Mike!”
A single campus police cruiser parked nearby monitored the protest. Television crews fixed their cameras on the rally.
“I’m glad to see so many people out here, especially with the weather,” said Sean McCrossen, a Tech alumnus and former football player donning a pirate flag. “It’s a good crowd, a good turnout.”
He said he began organizing the protest Wednesday evening by sending notices to local media and posting them on social networking sites, where the word spread virally.
“It’s just to show support for the coach,” said McCrossen, who attended the rally during his lunch break from a nearby restaurant. “He’s going through a lot right now. It’s to show the administration we’re not happy. It’s unacceptable.”
An initial protest occurred Wednesday evening in the same spot, he said. About 30 people attended.
Thursday’s sit-in was round two, McCrossen said, and more are likely to come once students return from Christmas break.
“Once students get back,” he said, “it’s going down.”
Protesters discussed their shock, dismay and frustration with the administration’s decision.
Some were still trying to piece together last few days’ events.
“It’s sad to see,” said Lubbock resident Ryan Reed. “There are a lot of people who agree with the university’s decision, but I think (officials) made it more of a big deal than it was. I’m shocked that it would go this far.”
Talk of season ticket cancellations and alumni support hummed through the crowd.
For the first time in eight years, Tech alumna Stacey Conley said, she canceled her order for next year’s season tickets and withdrew her membership in the school’s alumni association.
“I will still support the university,” she said. “I will always support Texas Tech, but football I might have a problem with.”
Protester Shane Coyle, a senior Tech student from Houston, said he knows five people who have canceled their season tickets.
“If I know five people, how many other season ticket holders have done the same thing?” he wondered.
McCrossen is encouraging Leach’s supporters to temporarily maintain their support for the football team and coaching staff through Saturday’s bowl game against Michigan State.
Raider fans should stand behind their team at least until then, he said.
“But once Saturday’s over, do what you’ve got to do,” McCrossen said. “People need to take whatever measures are necessary to let the administration know what’s going on.”
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WOW! The following emails are from last year's "heated" contract negotiations between Leach and Tech. Very enlightening and shows how tenuous this relationship really really was.
LUBBOCK, TX (MIKE LEACH PRESS RELEASE) - The following statement was released from Mike Leach regarding his recent termination from Texas Tech University as Head Football Coach.
"I want everyone to know what a privilege and pleasure it has been to teach and coach more than 400 student-athletes at Texas Tech University over the past 10 years.
When I arrived at Texas Tech, the football program was on NCAA probation and the graduation rate was far below the national average. However, in the past 10 years, Tech has been to 10 straight bowl games, has the third best record in the Big 12 Conference, and has the highest graduation rate for football players of any public institution in the country.
Over the past several months, there have been individuals in the Texas Tech administration, Board of Regents and booster groups who have dealt in lies, and continue to do so. These lies have led to my firing this morning. I steadfastly refuse to deal in any lies, and am disappointed that I have not been afforded the opportunity for the truth to be known.
Texas Tech's decision to deal in lies and fabricate a story which led to my firing, includes, but is not limited by, the animosity remaining from last year's contract negotiations. I will not tolerate such retaliatory action; additionally, we will pursue all available legal remedies.
These actions taken by Texas Tech have severely damaged my reputation and public image. In addition, Texas Tech has caused harm to not only my family, but to the entire Red Raider nation and the sport of college football.
As you know, I prefer to engage in question and answer sessions; however, in this instance my counsel has advised me to simply make a statement. There will be time to answer questions about this issue in the future, but the serious legal nature of this situation prevents me from going into further detail at this time."
The online petition for the removal of Athletic Director Gerald Myers
(if you're so inclined to...) (just click the petition to sign it)
Statement from Texas Tech on Termination of Football Coach Mike Leach
Posted: Dec 30, 2009 5:34 PM CST
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Texas Tech releases a statement on the termination of Football Coach Mike Leach.
The statement reads as follows:
After reviewing all the information available, Texas Tech University has decided that the best course of action for the university and its football program is to terminate its relationship with Head Football Coach Mike Leach for cause.
Texas Tech was prepared to participate in the legal proceeding today on coach Leach's motion for a temporary restraining order. His attorney, however, chose to not participate when he was informed that the termination of coach Leach was inevitable.
The coach's termination was precipitated by his treatment of a player after the player was diagnosed with a concussion. The player was put at risk for additional injury. After the university was apprised of the treatment, Coach Leach was contacted by the administration of the university in an attempt to resolve the problem. In a defiant act of insubordination, Coach Leach continually refused to cooperate in a meaningful way to help resolve the complaint. He also refused to obey a suspension order and instead sued Texas Tech University. Further, his contemporaneous statements make it clear that the coach's actions against the player were meant to demean, humiliate and punish the player rather than to serve the team's best interest. This action, along with his continuous acts of insubordination, resulted in irreconcilable differences that make it impossible for coach Leach to remain at Texas Tech.
"It is our number one priority to protect the welfare of our students and the reputation of the Texas Tech University. Parents have entrusted us with their children and we take this responsibility very seriously. We very much appreciate the leadership shown by the university's athletic director, Gerald Myers, and president, Guy Bailey, in dealing with this unfortunate situation. The board supports their decision," said Larry Anders, chairman and Jerry Turner, vice chairman of the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents.
In the near future, Texas Tech will undertake a search for a new coach. In the meantime, the focus of the athletic department is on the preparation for the Alamo Bowl.
Texas Tech officials plan to move quickly to fill the position vacated when Mike Leach was fired. Under Texas state law, the opening will need to be posted for at least 10 days, meaning it is still several days from being filled.
Chancellor Kent Hance plans to take an active role in the hiring. Here's a look at some of the most prominent names you'll be hearing about in the next several days:
Baylor coach Art Briles: He played at Houston, but graduated from Texas Tech and coached there three seasons as Leach's original running backs coach before starting his head coaching career at Houston in 2003. His offensive ideas mesh well with what the Red Raiders' current philosophy. He also has the added benefit of being well-known and popular among high school coaches after winning four state championships at Stephenville High School.
Texas Tech defensive coordinator/interim head coach Ruffin McNeill: Arguably the most popular sports figure in Lubbock -- even bigger than Leach. His transformation of the Tech defense has been the team's underrated strength over the past two seasons. He's also beloved by players and respected by other members of the school's administration. His hiring would be the easiest transition in the program, especially in maintaining recruiting continuity.
Former Auburn/Mississippi coach Tommy Tuberville: Tuberville was out of coaching this season after he resigned at Auburn after last season. Insiders say he's itching to get back into college football and would be interested in the Tech job. He's familiar with Texas recruiting after coaching at Texas A&M in 1994.
Southern Mississippi coach Larry Fedora: Born in College Station, Fedora has the background to be interested in coming to Tech. He was head coach at Garland High School for four seasons before serving as an assistant for six seasons at Baylor and three seasons at Oklahoma State before taking the Golden Eagles' head coaching job in 2008. He's led them to back-to-back trips to the New Orleans Bowl in his first two seasons there.
Arizona offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes: A former baseball player at Tech, Dykes would appeal to many locals because his father is Spike Dykes, who coached there immediately before Leach. Sonny Dykes was on Leach's staff for seven seasons before he left to join Mike Stoops' staff at Arizona in 2007.
Stoops, former Raiders stunned by Leach’s dismissal
Those were some of the sentiments expressed by supporters of Texas Tech football on Wednesday, after they learned Mike Leach had been fired as head coach.
Among those who played for and worked with Leach, the reality he would no longer man the Red Raiders’ sideline was even more difficult to grasp.
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dylan Gandy, who was part of Leach’s first recruiting class at Tech, said he thought it was a “big joke” when he first heard the news.
“I’m pretty upset about it, honestly,” he said. “… I love the Red Raiders and I always will, but in my opinion, this is a bad day for the Red Raiders.”
Daniel Loper, another Detroit Lion who also played for Leach at Tech, said he’s just as befuddled. But in light of Leach’s indefinite suspension on Monday, Loper said he wasn’t completely surprised Leach was let go.
“Unfortunately, because this whole thing was blown out of proportion, I kind of saw it coming that they were going to fire him,” Loper said. “But this a guy who took them to bowl games all 10 years he coached, and he’s the winningest coach in school history. It’s amazing they would pull the plug on him this fast.”
Another member of Leach’s initial recruiting class at Tech, Cody Campbell, was critical of the Tech administration. He said he doesn’t believe the allegations that sophomore receiver Adam James was mistreated by Leach, and even if they were true, Campbell said it still wouldn’t warrant Leach’s dismissal.
“I’m really just shocked. I don’t understand,” Campbell said. “I really am amazed that the people in power at Tech made this decision. It’s really irresponsible.
“… Coach Leach has taken us so far as a program and really as a university. He’s increased our profile, boosted attendance and won a lot of games. Now we’ve taken a step at least five years back. It’s just such a shame.”
Campbell said Leach’s firing could give him a “stigma” within the coaching community, but he and the other two former Raiders said they believe Leach will return to his feet, find another coaching job and continue the success he enjoyed in Lubbock during the last 10 years.
So does Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, who hired Leach to be his first offensive coordinator with the Sooners in 1999.
“Mike has a long track record there and a long track record of success and doing things well, and this is the first I’ve ever heard of any allegations against him,” Stoops told The Oklahoman on Tuesday. “So I’d like to think he’ll surely be able to overcome it and be attractive to someone else as he moves forward. I pray he’ll be able to overcome it.”
Ruffin McNeill says "double yes" if offered Head Coach job
Posted: Dec 30, 2009 5:21 PM CST
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - In a news conference on Wednesday afternoon from San Antonio, Interim Head Coach and Defensive Coordinator Ruffin McNeill said "double-yes" when asked if he would like to become head coach for the Texas Tech Red Raiders.
Also in the news conference, he addressed the news of Leach's firing, and what he will say to his friend when he talks to him.
According to the University's website, the Red Raiders Defensive Coordinator is one of the most versatile coaches on the staff and also one of the most beloved by the team.
McNeill is currently in his 10th season with the Raiders.
Texas Tech has not commented on a possible replacement for Leach. At this time, McNeill is acting as head coach leading up to and during the Alamo Bowl.
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Texas Tech University has released the resignation letter presented to Texas Tech Red Raiders head football coach Mike Leach. The letter is from Tech Athletic Director Gerald Myers, Chancellor Kent Hance and TTU President Guy Bailey.
The letter says:
"Dear Coach Leach,
This letter shall serve as formal notice to you that, pursuant to Article V of your Employment Contract, you are terminated with cause effective immediately, for breach of the provisions of Article IV of that Contract."
Article V, Subsection D states:
BY UNIVERSITY WITHOUT CAUSE:
In addition to the provision set forth above, there is also reserved to the University the right to terminate this agreement without cause at any time and for any reason. The parties agree that in the event this right to terminate is exercised, the University will pay to Coach liquidated damages in an amount equal to $400.000 for each year remaining in the Term, pro rated as of the date of termination. It is agreed that University shall also pay any Supplemental Compensation set forth in Article III.C.4 above earned prior to such termination. In such event, the University shall not be liable to Coach for any other University benefits, perquisites or any collateral business opportunities, outside income revenues or guarantees or other benefits associated with Coach's position as Head Football Coach.
Article IV states:
PERFORMANCE
In the performance of his duties, Coach shall be directly responsible to and under the supervision of the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. Without limitation of the foregoing, Coach, in the performance of his duties, shall conduct himself at all times in a manner consistent with his position as an instructor of students. The parties agree that, although this agreement is sports related, the primary purpose of the University and this agreement is educative. Thus, the educative purposes of the University shall have priority in the various provisions of this Agreement. Coach will follow all applicable University policies and procedures. Coach shall not, either directly or indirectly, breach or countenance to the breach by any player or coach subject to his control or supervision of any of the rules and standards of the Big 12 Conference, the NCAA, youth, collegiate, and master's amateur athletics as well as other associations or agencies to which the University adheres. In this connection, Coach agrees to devote his entire time, labor, effort and attention, in good faith, to conduct and perform the duties commensurate with the position as Head Football Coach, bearing in mind that University recognizes and accepts that Coach has the ability to engage in reasonable Outside Income producing activities as defined in Article III.C.3. Coach shall assure the fair and responsible treatment of student-athletes in relation to their health, welfare and discipline. Breach of such rules and standards, whether willful or through negligence, may be subject to disciplinary action and penalties ranging from termination, public or private reprimand to monetary fines or adjustments in compensation or adjustments in the term of this contract as determined by the President following consultation and review with the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics. The provision of this Article IV shall be without prejudice to any right the University may have under Article V of this Agreement.
Unless notice of termination of employment has been given to Coach in accordance with Articles V.A. or V.D. below, Coach shall not engage in discussions or negotiate, either directly or indirectly, concerning Coach's prospective employment by any other employer without first providing prior written notice to the Director of Intercollegiate Athletics of such discussions or negotiations. Failure to provide such notice may be considered a material breach of this Agreement.
No winners in Leach firing
Mike Leach proved unconventional to the end. The Texas Tech coach and pirate captain got thrown overboard Wednesday, fired after what began this week as a one-player mutiny.
Stew Milne/US PresswireMike Leach's quirky ways made him a national name.
Texas Tech will explain its decision. The university that overlooked Bob Knight's methods of handling players in order to have him revive its basketball program suddenly has become the Amnesty International of the NCAA.
The lawyers will do battle. Leach's attorney already has announced plans to contest the university's stance that it has terminated Leach "with cause," which means Texas Tech would not owe him a $1.6 million settlement.
That five-year, $12.7 million contract is the result of a combative negotiation last winter. Leach used public opinion and his winning record to outmaneuver the university officials who appeared reluctant to sign him. As it turns out, Leach won the battle but not the war.
The firing might have just hastened the divorce. It pre-empted Leach from taking part in a hearing Wednesday to lift the suspension the university placed on him Monday. Once Leach and Texas Tech got to court, it already had become a case of "Can this marriage be saved?"
Blame Leach for leaving himself open to a takedown. It's always possible there are other issues regarding Leach that the university has not made public. In the meantime, whatever happened to wide receiver Adam James regarding his treatment for a concussion he suffered in practice two weeks ago, it is clear athletes are less likely than ever to stand for mistreatment in order to be team players.
It also is clear this affair will extract a costly toll from everyone involved.
Texas Tech has fired the coach with the most wins in its history (84-43, .661), one year after he won several national coach of the year honors. The Red Raiders shared the Big 12 South championship in 2008, when they effectively knocked Texas out of the BCS Championship Game and reached No. 2 in the polls.
Now, Leach is out the door. Three days before the Valero Alamo Bowl and five weeks before signing day, the Texas Tech football program is without a leader. The football coach who provided the university with a national identity is gone, and it's a good bet that identity will go with him.
Leach's idiosyncrasies extended well beyond the spread offense that rewrote the NCAA record book.
His disheveled appearance made it clear he held collared shirts and ironed slacks in the same regard as holding penalties. Leach's news conferences held an air of unpredictability. You might hear about his summer trip to Europe. You might hear about his love of pirates, which became fodder for his recent cameo on the TV series "Friday Night Lights."
That's the sort of plum reserved for the Pete Carrolls and Joe Paternos of the world. Yet it was Mike Leach, standing in a gas station, telling the character of coach Eric Taylor of the fictional East Dillon High to unleash his inner pirate.
Sometimes, Leach's monologues wandered all over the place as a way of milking the clock. Other times, Leach revealed that his shambling gait and wrinkled clothes masked a sharp intellect. There is one fewer Football Bowl Subdivision coach with a law degree.
As of Wednesday, no other Texas Tech football player has stepped forward with a tale of mistreatment at the hands of Leach, which brings us to the third actor in this melodrama. It's hard to imagine the Texas Tech locker room will be a welcome place for James. His teammates came to Lubbock to play for a successful coach who is no longer there. Whether James stays in Lubbock or transfers, he is going to be known as the guy who got Leach fired. That isn't likely to turn out well, either.
There are three sides to this story. Texas Tech is without a coach, Leach is without a job and James might have some fence mending to do. Three sides, and no winners.
Ivan Maisel is a senior writer for ESPN.com and hosts the ESPNU College Football podcast. Send your questions and comments to Ivan at Ivan.Maisel@ESPN3.com.
Should an NFL Team Consider Making Mike Leach an Offensive Coordinator?
Moments ago, Mike Leach, former head football coach of the Texas Tech, was fired by the university amid allegations of mistreating receiver Adam James after a concussion.
With the Internet and media worlds going off via Twitter, Facebook, and other Web sites, what I can tell you for a fact is that Mike Leach won't be a head coach next season. Though he is a hot candidate that some universities could be interested in, they would be taking on a coach who would be filled with much drama.
So as the news broke, an idea came to me: Should an NFL franchise make him an offensive coordinator?
There is nothing to hide about his ability to coach, as his offense has led the nation in passing for most of the decade.
The master of the passing game, Leach will find a job in a year or so, but would he take a job to be an offensive coordinator on the next level if a team took a chance on him?
You may think to yourself that there is no chance a team would take on an offense like Leach's and turn it into an NFL-style playbook.
Yet, I'm sure nobody saw the Wildcat entering the NFL, and now being the copy-cat league that it is, a majority of teams use it.
Facts are facts, and the NFL has turned into a passing league, with many draft picks consisting of quarterbacks, receivers, and offensive lineman.
With the league turning into one where you need a good quarterback to win a championship, it would be interesting to see Mike Leach get some job on a NFL team and see if his master offense can work on opposing defenses.
After all, with the way the defenses have changed and with the way cornerbacks can cover wide receivers, it may not be a bad idea for a general manager to take a look at him.
It's not like Leach isn't well respected. Former and current players coached by Leach came to his defense right away after the allegations came out. Though his antics can sometimes make you scratch your head, the NFL is all about respect.
If you are not respected as a coach, you will have a difficult time in making your plan come into action.
However, with the reputation and the mastermind Leach is, it is quite possible that players would buy into the new offense if it can produce results on the field.
Leach built a Texas Tech program that had no identity into a rising powerhouse, especially after the defeat of rival Texas last year.
There is no doubt that Leach will be back into coaching, but there is no time frame as to how long it will take for him to be back in the college ranks.
But while he is out there on the market, it would be really interesting to see him get a shot as an NFL offensive coordinator, and possibly make his offense a new trend in the NFL for years to come.
Mike Leach to Louisville rumors
Alex Esselink, Editor November 18, 2009
The coaching rumor mill is in full swing. Today's juicy nugget? Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and Louisville.
Leach's battles with the athletic department last year and his own players this year have been well documented, so it would not be a surprise to see him leave Lubbock. And we fully expect to see Leach's name come up for just about every vacant coaching job over the next few months. Whether there is interest or not.
Texas Tech has fired Mike Leach as head football coach.
Before a hearing this morning to discuss Leach's suspension by Texas Tech, Leach's personal attorney, Ted Liggett, received a letter from Texas Tech signed by President Guy Bailey terminating Leach's employment effective immediately.
Liggett shocked the courtroom full of spectators with the news. No hearing took place as scheduled.
According to the letter, Leach is in violation of Article Four of his contract. The article reads in part, "Coach shall assure the fair and responsible treatment of student athletes in relation to their health, welfare and discipline." The contract goes on to say the breach of those guidelines can result in penalties ranging from fines to termination.
Leach's suspension and subsequent firing comes after a complaint filed by wide receiver Adam James and his family.
The James family contends Leach treated Adam James improperly by putting him in a dark room during practice because of a concussion. The complaint says the incident happened about two weeks ago.
According to court documents filed by Texas Tech, President Bailey and Athletic Director Gerald Myers met with Leach Saturday to discuss the incident.
At the meeting, Leach was presented with a letter outlining the University's concerns and setting forth several conditions. As they read in the letter: "Any player claiming an injury will be examined by a physician and cleared in writing prior to practicing or playing; You (Leach) must recognize that the players you are working with are student athletes and that you have an obligation to treat them with respect and further to conduct yourself in a manner consistent with your position; You (Leach) must at all times assure the fair and responsible treatment of student athletes in relation to their health, welfare and discipline; There will be no retaliation against any student who has suffered an injury."
Leach was instructed to sign the letter confirming he'd received it. He refused to do so.
The University maintains these guidelines tie directly into Article Four of Leach's contract.
Texas Tech has canceled a press conference originally scheduled for today at 3p.m.
Liggett tells FOX 34 Leach will be filing a lawsuit against the University "soon."
Head Defensive Coordinator Ruffin McNeill is in place to act as interim head coach for the Red Raiders when they play Michigan State Saturday in the Valero Alamo Bowl.
One coach who is not on the hot seat but could find himself with employment options outside the Big 12 is Texas Tech's Mike Leach.
Leach has flirted with other jobs in the past, including an interview for the University of Miami job last offseason, and there is speculation he could be a candidate if Karl Dorrell is fired at UCLA.
Leach, who is from California and went to law school at Pepperdine, is believed to have interest in returning to the West Coast.
Wanna Feel Sick To Your Stomach?? Check it out...Tech still has Leach's bio and "glowing remarks" about him on their official web site
Read letters in support of Coach Leach from coaches and players
Two days prior to the incident in question, I disciplined Adam James along with several other recievers. His attitude was poor the entire time; even with constant plees for improvement. By the end of the practice, a few of the other recievers accepted their lack of performance in the previous practice and worked harder. Adam was not one of these individuals. He was last on all the excercises asked to do and talked and "danced" during the discipline. When told that this was unacceptable, he simply shrugged his shoulders. I continued to encourge him with no success.
Bennie Wylie
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
Texas Tech University
To whom it may concern:
You can find out a lot about a person after playing three years of college football with them. Adam James was a teammate of mine from 2006-2009. Ever since the day he arrived on the Texas Tech campus you couldn’t help but to feel a negative energy from him. He expected people to baby him and that he was going make it solely on the fact that his father was a very successful player. Coach Leach has never been a coach to just give something to someone because of who they are. He believes that everyone is equal and you have to earn respect from your coaches and teammates. Adam was never known as a hard worker. I can honestly agree with this because we played the same position and I witnessed his laziness on a daily bases. Adam seemed to have a negative attitude towards the football program the majority of the time. That negative energy is never good for a team and can cause some major problems on and off the field. During practices, Adam always tried to get by with doing the least he possibly could. Never do I once remember Adam to be excited or enthusiastic to be out there. It was almost like he was playing the game of football to please someone other than himself.
Sincerely,
Eric Morris
To Whom It May Concern:
Texas Tech University and the athletic department is filled with great people from the top down, starting with the chancellor all the way down to the student athletes involved in the programs. In the football program, Gerald Myers and the rest of the administration have put together an unbelievable staff that believe success only comes from hard work and doing things right. The staff expects the players and everyone involved to buy into their beliefs, but like anywhere not every player agrees with or buys into what the coaches and program stand for. At Texas Tech the majority of the players do everything the coaches ask of them and anything possible to improve the team. Adam James is one of the few players who has never bought into what Texas Tech football was built on and in my years there with him had a negative impact on the team because of his attitude and work ethic on and off the field. Coach Leach demands a lot out of every player in the program and pushed his players and coaches as hard as any coach I have ever been around, but he is fair to every player and would never make and decision or action that is not best for the Texas Tech football program.
Before Adam James ever entered the football locker room at Texas Tech I heard how spoiled and selfish he acted in a team atmosphere from many of my baseball friends. Adam was on the baseball team his true freshman year at Tech, before he ever joined the football team, and did not make it through the baseball season because of his selfish attitude. After a baseball game in which he felt like he did not get enough playing time, but the team still won twenty to one, he came into the locker room after the game and "pouted and threw a big fit" according another player on the baseball team. A few weeks later in the middle of the season, he just stopped showing up to practices or game and quit because he was not happy about how he was being treated. One of my roommates was a baseball player on the team and many of my friends were a part of the team that witnessed all of this. These baseball players told me he was "spoiled and selfish" before he ever came to the football team. After quitting baseball he came out for football and his selfish attitude was very evident, as was his laziness. During off-season workouts he often would be caught skipping lifts in the weight room or finding ways to cut corners/get out of conditioning exercises. When we had player organized seven on seven throwing in the summer, when he would show up he was much more interested in playing his own games on the side of the field or telling people that he wasn’t going to run any routes because the coaches do not get him a "fair opportunity" anyway. During the season he was often "injured" (it usually seemed like a very minor injury that could keep him out of practice but never out of any other activity, including games) so he would not participate in some drills in practice. None of these acts were productive for our team, but the most detrimental part of Adam was his off field attitude and actions. In the locker room and away from the facility, Adam used any opportunity he had to tell other players how he was being treated unfairly, how the coaches did not give him a fair chance and how we did not have to do everything the coaches told us because they had no option but to play some of us. When I heard these kinds of things I usually tried to put an end to them but Adam pretty consistently talked bad about the coaches or down played the importance of working hard, when he was off the field. When he talked to young players or players that were usually on the scout he would explain how the coaches were not fair to certain players and only played favorites. When he talked to players that did get some playing time he would talk about how we didn’t really have to do what the coaches asked of us because the coaches had to play us anyway. And it almost always tied back to how he was not getting a fair chance to play just because the coaches were unfair. The coaches were always more than fair to Adam I felt, because he came in the game during certain formations and situations last football season, but because of his work ethic and attitude, many of the players on last years team had a hard time trusting him or relying on him because he was not always practicing and we had seen his laziness during the off-season. Adam was a kid that seemed like he had been given everything he wanted his whole life and acted like if things did not go exactly how he wanted someone was treating him unfairly or someone needed to be blamed for his failures. He was a selfish player on and off the field that was counter-productive for our team and would be for any other team.
Mike Leach was not only my head coach, but he was my position coach all five of my years at Texas Tech. I spent more time with him than any other player during my five years and had meetings with him every day. He was very hard on me and every other player in program and he held very high expectations for every player. He would push us all every day during the season and during the off-season. He felt that hard work, dedication and doing things right was the only way we could be successful and compete in the Big XII conference. He worked harder and longer than anyone else in program and was committed to winning at all cost. He would never have been unfair to a player or not played the best players he had because he wanted to win more than anything else. Coach Leach also expected us to be tough but smart at the same time. He would not pressure a kid to play with a serious injury or play when he did not feel ready to play. Coach Leach is a man that cares about his player and puts his players, coaches and the well being of the Texas Tech football program above all else.
Coach Leach is a great coach at Texas Tech that emphasizes the importance of hard work and doing things the right way so that the football program has the best opportunity possible to be successful. He, along with the administration and the rest of his staff, have built a great football program at Texas Tech that is built on the virtues and principles that give any program an opportunity to be successful. Every single player may not buy into the program’s beliefs, but Mike Leach has almost everyone on board with him and the Texas Tech football program on a successful track.
Graham Harrell
To whom it may concern:
As a player under coach Leach, I have experienced some of the most memorable moments of my life in which I am very grateful for. As I stated I am a former Red Raider that played for Mike Leach and got to know him well over my four years as a Red Raider. I admire the professionalism and dedication Mike had for the game, the university and his players. He always demanded the best from each of us and we became better players and people for it. Although he pushed his players and coaches to be the best, his decisions and actions were always consistent with maintaining the program’s integrity and were in the best interest of his players. As a player, my commitment to the team was based on the trust I had developed in Coach Leach as a leader who would always put his players and his team in the best possible position for success. As a result of his guidance and coaching, in combination with my own hard work, I was able to overcome great adversity to become an All-American tackle.
A couple of bowl games ago in the Gator Bowl, I suffered a severe injury to my lower left leg in which took a lot of support from family, friends, fans, coach’s, teammates and most importantly coach Leach to get me back. It was a long road to recovery that took careful attention from trainers during practices, and Leach was always checking to make sure that I was ok. During camp, oftentimes I had to practice one day and then take a day off because of soreness. Coach Leach was very understanding, always had my best interest in mind at all times, and I will always be appreciative of that.
Another incident that occurred was after my pro day in which I hurt my knee and my dream of playing in the NFL quickly came to a halt so I went home to rehab with two semesters left from graduating. I was able to get a job and start working, but quickly realized that to get the dream job in the real world that I always wanted, it would take getting my degree from Texas Tech. When I got home from work one day, I got a phone call from coach Leach asking, if they were able to get some paper work filled out, would I be willing to come back to school to finish my degree, and of course I said yes. I am proud to say that, as a result of coach Leach’s influence, I will finish my degree from Texas Tech in May 2010. If that does not show how coach Leach cares for his players, then I do not know what does.
The allegations against coach Leach are not consistent with the standards and beliefs that he has for himself and the University of Texas Tech. He has always been fair and respectful to my teammates and I. I was very saddened to hear that someone could try to take away all that he has done for this university, players and fans. I hope that you take this into consideration, and I also would be willing to further discuss anything in detail in person or by phone.
Sincerely,
Rylan Reed
To Who it May Concern:
During the last two years of being the inside receivers coach, I have
had the chance to learn alot about Adam James. He came to Tech
because of one person: Coach Leach. Although we adamently doubted
his talent, we as coaches came to see that Adam actually had enough
talent to help us out. The problem, though, is that Adam is
unusually lazy and entitled. Many other players on this team,
specifically receivers, have a much larger role on this team with less
talent. I have always been worried about Adam's effect on my other
players because of his weak and conceited attitude. I recently found
out that Adam deliberately undermined my authority on many occasions.
This is particularly disturbing because Coach Leach hired me to make
our receivers the best group in the country, and Adam has damaged this
group far more than I even realized. He should be grateful forthe
opportunity that was given to him here that was not offered at any
other Division 1 football program. He has an unvelievable sense of
entitlement because of who his father is; one that hurts himself and
people around him. Adam is the kind of person thatakes excuses or
blames people for things that go wrong in his life.
Furthermore, I don't have children yet, but when I do I hope they are
coached by someone like Coach Leach. I have learned so many great
things from him and am incredibly lucky to have him in my life.
Lincoln Riley
I am writing this letter on behalf of Mike Leach in regards to the Adam James situation. I was the inside receiver coach at Texas Tech when we made the decision the sign Adam James in January of 2007. Adam had no offers to play NCAA D1 football during and after his Senior year. After a conversation between Coach Leach and Adams father Craig, Coach Leach acquired a brief highlight tape of Adam and made the decision to take him as a scholarship student athlete. I was opposed to doing so in belief he was not a D1 football player. Coach Leach overrode my opinion and Adam became a Red Raider. During the rest of my time at Texas Tech I was Adams position coach where I always remained critical of Adams ability to play at this level due to being lazy in not only the classroom but also in the off season and during practice. Coach Leach was the one who kept saying he believed Adam would eventually contribute. Adams teammates believed he was selfish and were constantly getting onto him for lack of effort as they sensed entitlement on his part due to his father being a very good football player. Adam eventually ended up playing a little after I left due to his body type being able to do some TE sets which consists of around 5-10 plays a game. Adam should be thankful for the opportunity to play at Texas Tech and for Mike Leach, who gave him the opportunity. In my opinion playing 5-10 plays a game in an outstanding offense is more than he would get at any other school in NCAA D1 football.
Dana Holgorsen
OC & QB's
University of Houston
Two practices before Adam James claimed he had a concussion, Coach Leach and I were forced to discipline him for poor effort from the previous practice and poor effort during the early drills of that day. This has been a common theme about Adam's work ethic and attitude during his entire career. Adam, along with two other receivers that were also unsatisfactory, was sent to run stadium steps with Bennie Wylie. After the practice, Bennie made it very clear to Coach Leach and I that Adam was a complete "jerk" while he was being punished. After talking with Adam after the practice, it was very clear to me that Adam did not agree with the punishment and believed that we were just mis-asessing his effort. He complained to me that we were not doing our jobs as coaches and that his effort was just fine, all of which is very typical of him to say. By comparison, the other receiver that we punished agreed that his effort wasn't his best and had a good attitude with Bennie and also in meeting with me after practice. It's just another example of Adam thinking that he knows more about coaching than people who have been coaching for their entire lives. I have no doubt that anger from this led to where we are today with this situation and is his way of trying to "get back" at us coaches
Joe Schad on the firing of Texas Tech coach Mike Leach Tags: NCF
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech fired coach Mike Leach on Wednesday, just two days after he was suspended by the school as it investigated his treatment of a player with a concussion.
The school handed a termination letter to Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, just minutes before the two sides were to appear in a Lubbock, Texas, courtroom for a hearing on the coach's suspension.
Leach
Liggett said that Texas Tech general counsel Pat Campbell approached him outside the courtroom and told him that win, lose or draw in the hearing, Leach was out, effective immediately.
Liggett told the judge there was no need for the hearing on Leach's request that he be reinstated to coach the Alamo Bowl. Texas Tech plays Michigan State on Saturday in San Antonio.
As for Leach's reaction, Liggett said, "Well, he's not thrilled."
Liggett said he planned to file a lawsuit on Leach's behalf against the school "soon."
"We can guarantee that the fight has just begun," he said.
Liggett said Leach's side has evidence that shows the decision to suspend the coach was without merit.
"So they pulled the trigger," Liggett said. "They don't want that coming out."
In February, Leach and the school agreed to a five-year, $12.7 million contract. According to terms of the deal, Leach was due a $800,000 bonus on Dec. 31 if he were still the head coach at Texas Tech.
Leach's attorneys believe that Leach will be owed the $800,000 retention bonus because his contract states he has a 10-day "cure period" in which to rectify any issue.
His attorneys will also strongly consider pursuing the entire $10 million remaining on Leach's contract, as opposed to the $1.6 million Leach would be owed if fired without cause.
Leach had been presented with a letter recently from the school which he had declined to sign, according to sources.
Leach was suspended by the university on Monday after receiver Adam James alleged the coach twice confined him to small, dark spaces while the team practiced.
James is the son of former NFL player and ESPN analyst Craig James.
"We appreciate that the university conducted a fair and thorough investigation," said a statement from the James family. "From the family's point of view this has always been about the safety and well being of our son and of all the players on the team."
Texas Tech plays Michigan State on Saturday in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
In an affidavit included with his injunction request to coach the Red Raiders in the Alamo Bowl, Leach said he "would never intentionally harm or endanger a player" and that he had been "forced into this situation without being afforded any process."
He wrote "absolutely" no evidence had been given to him that showed he had violated any university rules or standards.
"I have never and would never intentionally harm or endanger a player. I am committed to Texas Tech University and the well being of my football players. I have been forced into this situation without being afforded any process," he said. "Not being allowed to coach immediately will cause irreparable harm because preparation for the game is ongoing and it will be over on January 2, 2009. Every minute of preparation is critical to be ready for the game."
Tech is the second Big 12 school to launch an internal investigation into a coach's treatment of his players.
On Nov. 16, Kansas investigated Mark Mangino, who got a big raise after he was national coach of the year and went 12-1 in 2007. Some players said he was insensitive, though others defended him.
Mangino resigned Dec. 3 after reaching a settlement with the school that was later disclosed as a $3 million buyout.
In e-mails obtained by ESPN.com, several former and current Texas Tech players and coaches defended Leach and harshly criticized James' work ethic.
According to CBSSports.com, former Texas Tech wide receiver Eric Morris wrote that James was "never known as a hard worker" and "seemed to have a negative attitude toward the football program the majority of the time."
Morris told The Associated Press on Wednesday the letters were written as school administrators began looking into the incident, before Leach was suspended. Morris said they wanted to show their support for Leach and show James' possible motives.
Morris said he spoke with Leach as the incident began unfolding.
"He told me he would never do anything" to harm a player, Morris said. "He was trying to hold someone accountable."
Leach's dismissal comes a year after he was Big 12 coach of the year and led Tech to the best season in the history of the program. The Red Raiders went 11-2 last season.
A quirky coach sometimes called a mad scientist because of pass-happy offense, Leach arrived in West Texas in 2000 with his high-octane spread offense. Since then, a Texas Tech quarterback has led the nation in passing eight times.
He parlayed his penchant for pirate lore into his coaching, telling his players they need to "swing their swords" to perform at their best. He began to not acknowledge players' injuries in 2003 to the media.
In 10 seasons, he won 84 games, surpassing predecessor Spike Dykes this season as the winningest coach at the school.
He was not able to out-recruit Big 12 South rivals Texas and Oklahoma, but during his tenure the Red Raiders challenged those teams better than they ever had before.
The year before he came to Lubbock, Leach was offensive coordinator under Bob Stoops at Oklahoma. Before that he spent two years at Kentucky and five years at Valdosta State in Georgia.
ESPN college football reporter Joe Schad and The Associated Press contributed to this report.
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - NewsChannel 11 was in the courtroom on Wednesday morning when the hearing was canceled and Mike Leach was fired. The hearing was scheduled for 10:00 a.m., but was delayed. The courtroom has turned into a TTU protest.
The school handed a termination letter from Texas Tech University President Guy Bailey to Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, on Wednesday just before the two sides were to appear in a Lubbock, Texas, courtroom for a hearing on the coach's suspension.
Liggett says the letter says Leach is "terminated with cause effective immediately." Click here to see Texas Tech's response.
Attorney for Coach Mike Leach filed a petition in Lubbock on Tuesday to temporarily stop Leach's suspension. According to the petition, Mike Leach seeks that the court enter an order restraining Texas Tech University from suspending Leach from coaching the football team.
The hearing was in the 99th District Court.
From ESPN:
Updated: December 30, 2009, 1:08 PM ET
Texas Tech fires Leach
Associated Press
LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech has fired football coach Mike Leach.
The school handed a termination letter to Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett, on Wednesday just before the two sides were to appear in a Lubbock, Texas, courtroom for a hearing on the coach's suspension.
Liggett says the letter says Leach is "terminated with cause effective immediately."
Leach was suspended by the university on Monday while the school investigated allegations that he mistreated an injured player.
Receiver Adam James alleges Leach twice confined him to small, dark spaces during practice after the player was diagnosed with a concussion.
Texas Tech plays Michigan State on Saturday in the Valero Alamo Bowl in San Antonio
The LUBBOCK AVALANCHE-JOURNAL reports Tuesday afternoon that the attorney of Mike Leach has “filed a motion in a Lubbock district court seeking a hearing and a temporary restraining order against the university, seeking Leach’s reinstatement.”
(THE ACTUAL "SHED/CLOSET" IS IN THE BACKGROUND)
What followed:
State District Judge William Sowder set a 10 a.m. closed-session hearing on a request for a temporary restraining order and injunction to block Texas Tech’s suspension of head football coach Mike Leach. The attorney general’s office will represent Tech.
Leach’s attorney, Ted Liggett, claims the school’s deal with the coach does not allow it to suspend the coach.
More from the A-J:
The court document says if Leach is not reinstated, “harm is imminent because Mike Leach will be unable to coach his football team in practice prior to the Alamo Bowl and during the Alamo Bowl.
“The harm that will result if a temporary restraining order is not issued is irreparable (because) the Alamo Bowl will be played on January 2, 2009, and preparation is needed immediately. Not only will Mike Leach suffer personally due to his contract provisions and with regard to compensation … , but his reputation and record will also be harmed as well as the reputation of the team, the football program and the university.’’
In addition to his regular compensation, Leach is due a contract completion bonus of $800,000 if he is in place as Tech’s coach on Thursday.
ESPN reported that Leach would be due $400,000 per year for every year remaining on his contract if he was legally terminated by the school.
ESPN also reports that the Leach camp thinks that going public with the Craig James complaint was a prelude to the school attempting to fire Leach with cause - and avoid paying him an $800,000 “completion bonus” on Friday.
Morning hearing could determine who coaches Alamo Bowl
A Wednesday morning hearing could determine who mans the Texas Tech sideline
at Saturday night’s Alamo Bowl in San Antonio.
State District Judge William Sowder set an 10 a.m. closed-session hearing on a
request for a temporary restraining order and injunction to block Texas Tech’s
suspension of head football coach Mike Leach. The attorney general’s office will represent Tech.
Leach’s attorney, Ted Liggett, argued the university’s contract with Leach did not
allow the school to suspend the coach.
“If it weren’t for the particular student-athlete, and his father, we wouldn’t be here,”
Liggett said.
Tech suspended Leach on Monday while investing a complaint that he subjected
sophomore receiver Adam James to mistreatment following an injury. James’ father,
Craig James, is a former SMU and NFL standout who works as a college football
television analyst for ESPN.
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Attorney for Coach Mike Leach has filed a petition in
Lubbock to temporarily stop Leach's suspension. According to the petition,
Mike Leach seeks that the court enter an order restraining Texas Tech University
from suspending Mike Leach from coaching the football team.
The suspension comes just days before the Red Raiders play Michigan State at the Alamo
Bowl in San Antonio.
Texas Tech suspended Leach immediately until an investigation surrounding his treatment
of Red Raider wide receiver Adam James is completed. Sources close to the team tell
NewsChannel 11 that James was twice forced to stand in a small, dark place for hours
while the team practiced.
James and his family filed a complaint with Texas Tech University after alleging Coach Leach
isolated James in a storage closet after not practicing due to a concussion.
According to reports, Leach's attorney, Ted Ligget, will soon begin legal steps to overturn the
suspension, which could possibly allow Leach to coach in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday.
Leach’s attorney says coach did no wrong
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)—The lawyer for Mike Leach says the suspended Texas Tech
coach did nothing wrong in how he treated a player with a “mild” concussion.
Ted Liggett said Tuesday that keeping receiver Adam James inside during practice due
to the injury was better for the player than letting him remain outside.
University officials suspended Leach on Monday while the school investigates complaints
from James and his family about how the player was treated.
Texas Tech interim coach Ruffi…
AP - Dec 28, 10:02 pm EST
Texas Tech interim coach Ruffi…
AP - Dec 28, 9:51 pm EST
Texas Tech interim coach Ruffi…
AP - Dec 28, 8:50 pm EST
Texas Tech players walk off th…
AP - Dec 28, 8:50 pm EST
Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be the interim coach when Texas Tech plays
Michigan State in the Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2.
A person close to James with direct knowledge of the situation contends the player was
twice forced to stand in a small, dark place for hours while the team practiced. The person
spoke to The Associated Press on the condition on anonymity because of the ongoing
investigation.
Liggett said he has a letter from the doctor who examined James that supports Leach’s
actions.
“He was not hurt by what happened in the equipment room,” the lawyer said. “And Mike
did not do anything to worsen the situation, in fact he put him in a safer environment by
being inside.”
Jerry Turner, vice chairman of the university system’s board of regents, said the
investigation is being handled by the school president’s office, with the assistance of
its general counsel and athletic director Gerald Myers.
The NCAA is letting Texas Tech conduct its investigation and has not gotten involved,
NCAA spokesman Cameron Schuh said. A Big 12 spokesman did not immediately
return an e-mail seeking comment.
James was injured Dec. 16 and the next day was diagnosed with a concussion by
team doctors, the person close to James said.
According to the person, the player was sequestered at two consecutive practices:
— On Dec. 17, James said Leach told trainers to put him “the darkest place you can find.”
James was sent to an equipment shed near the practice field, where a member of the
athletic staff checked on James to make sure he did not lean against anything or sit
on the floor. James said Leach told him that if he came out he would be kicked off the
team.
— When the team returned to practice two days later, on Dec. 19, James said Leach
told trainers to “find the tightest, darkest place” for the player. James, in his street
clothes, was put in an electrical closet inside the football stadium for hours, again
monitored by a member of the athletic staff.
Turner declined to comment on whether, if true, the incidents might lead to
Leach’s departure from Tech.
“We haven’t gotten to that point, of course,” Turner said. “This is an ongoing inquiry,
and I certainly do not want to prejudice the results of the inquiry.”
The school was notified of the allegations the evening of Dec. 19, he said, and
officials began looking into them the next day.
“This is a personnel matter, and we’re very careful with how we discuss those,”
Turner said.
A blizzard in Lubbock last Wednesday and the Christmas holiday prevented the
initial inquiry from being completed before school president Guy Bailey decided
to suspend Leach on Monday.
Turner said Bailey conferred with him, fellow regent Larry Anders and Myers.
“It was more of a decision of the president with a sounding board review of the
others,” Turner said.
He said he did not know “who else needs to be contacted, what other files need to
be reviewed” as the inquiry moves forward.
“I really don’t know what’s next on the agenda,” he said.
Tech is the second Big 12 school to launch an internal investigation into a coach’s
treatment of his players.
On Nov. 16, Kansas investigated Mark Mangino, who was the national coach of the
year and got a big raise when he went 12-1 in 2007. Players said he was insensitive,
though others defended him.
Mangino resigned Dec. 3 after reaching a settlement with the school that was later
disclosed as a $3 million buyout.
James played behind former Texas Tech wide receiver Eric Morris, who defended
Leach on Tuesday and said his former coach would never jeopardize the well-being
of his players.
Morris, who graduated last year, described the electrical closet inside the stadium
as a roomy enough space where the visiting media gathered for interviews after games.
Morris said Leach mostly relegated injured players to what the team knew as “Muscle Beach”
—an area beside the practice field where those not healthy enough to play did strength
and conditioning work.
Morris said Leach liked to keep injured players close so they could encourage their
teammates and not “just be sitting around inside doing nothing.”
Liggett said Leach’s contract calls for him to receive a $800,000 bonus if he is Texas
Tech’s coach Friday.
Turner was uncertain whether the suspension meant Leach would not be eligible
for the bonus.
Liggett seemed certain.
“It’s our position that, of course, he’s the head coach, and of course, he’s owed
the money,” he said.
Associated Press College Football Writer Ralph D. Russo in New York and AP Writer
Paul J. Weber in San Antonio contributed to this report.
In the hours after the news broke late Monday afternoon that Texas Tech had
suspended coach Mike Leach for Saturday’s Alamo Bowl against Michigan State,
as details of the allegations against him came to light, followed by the identity of
Leach’s celebrity accuser, it became apparent that we’re headed for an all-out Lone
Star showdown.
In one corner, we have the revered and ever-controversial coach of a Big 12 program.
In the other, a perturbed father who happens to be one of the most celebrated college
players in the state’s history and a highly visible television personality. It’s Mike
Leach’s word vs. Craig James’ word, with both men’s considerable reputations
on the line.
From staff and wire reports
Texas Tech has suspended Mike Leach while it investigates complaints from
wide receiver Adam James and his family about how the coach treated the
player after a concussion.
James is the son of former NFL player and current ESPN college football
analyst Craig James.
The school said Monday in a release that defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill
would be interim coach and lead the team Saturday in the Alamo Bowl against
Michigan State. James’ family released a statement identifying Adam as the
player involved.
LUBBOCK – Texas Tech University suspended Mike Leach on Monday as the
school investigated complaints over how the football coach dealt with a player
who he believed was faking an injury.
The player, sophomore wide receiver and Celina High School product Adam
James, is the son of former SMU and NFL running back Craig James, now a
TV football analyst.
The family complained that Adam James was “subjected to actions and
treatment not consistent with common sense rules for safety and health”
after he suffered a concussion, according to a statement from the family that
identified Adam as the player involved.
The school said in a release that defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be
the interim coach and lead the team against Michigan State on Saturday in the
Alamo Bowl in San Antonio. Leach will continue to receive his salary during
his suspension.
KLLL has obtained a copy of a statement from the family of Texas Tech wide
reciever Adam James. The statement was given to ESPN on Monday, addressing
the James’ role in the recent suspension of Tech football coach Mike Leach.
Adam’s father, Craig James, is a broadcaster for the network.
The text of that statement follows:
STATEMENT FROM JAMES FAMILY
The James family understands that Texas Tech University has undertaken an
internal investigation. Since this situation affects our son and since the investigation
is on-going, it would be inappropriate for us to speculate or provide additional information.
Mr. and Mrs. James took the step with great regret and after consideration and
prayer to convey to the Texas Tech Administration that their son had been subjected
to actions and treatment not consistent with common sense rules for safety and health.
The James family believes this is a matter important to protect all the fine young
men involved in Tech football and the University’s reputation for developing and
educating young men and women.
Over the past year, there has been a greatly enhanced recognition of the dangers
of concussions and the potential for long term physical damage to players. At
virtually every level of football coaching, cases where children and young men
have sustained concussions have generated serious discussion of the importance
of correct treatment and diagnosis.
The entire James family is supportive of the University and looks forward to a
resolution of the matter.
A look at Coach Mike Leach's contract
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 11:09 AM CST
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - If Coach Leach stays employed with Texas Tech
University through Friday, January 1st, he will be paid $800,000 bonus, which
is part of his contract agreement.
In February, Leach and Tech agreed to a five-year, $12.7 million deal that could
keep him at the school through 2013.
The contract includes a $250,000 bonus if Leach and Tech win the national
championship, a $75,000 bonus if Tech participates in a BCS bowl and a
$50,000 bonus if Leach is picked as national coach of the year
If Tech terminates the contract, the school must pay Leach $400,000 for each
year remaining on the agreement. There is no buyout amount.
If Tech terminates the contract before Friday, Leach does not receive the
$800,000 bonus.
If any coach ever had some use for a law degree, it's Texas Tech's Mike Leach
(Pepperdine '86), who found himself facing a legal, human resources and public
relations nightmare Monday afternoon with word of his indefinite suspension from
the team for allegedly confining a player with a concussion to an electrical closet --
a player who, coincidentally, happens to be the spawn of ex-SMU star and longtime
ESPN analyst Craig James, who initiated the charges in a complaint to the school.
Facing the most dire circumstances of his career, Leach and Associates appear to
have developed a four-pronged defense:
• Appeal. The first recourse of any legal mind. Leach's attorney, Ted Liggett,
told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal he still hoped Leach could be "reunited with his
boys" in time for Saturday's Alamo Bowl date with Michigan State, and that he's
willing to go "through the court system" for an injunction if necessary.
• Don't apologize. Leach may have avoided a public row if he had simply agreed
to a written apology. He refused by the James family's Monday deadline, and they
took it to the press. In the same vein ...
• Maintain that charges are an exaggeration and/or misrepresentation. Specific
allegations against Leach seem to amount to the following:
A source close to the family said [Adam] James sustained a concussion on
Dec. 16, was examined on Dec. 17 and told not to practice due to a concussion
and an elevated heart rate. The source said Leach called a trainer and directed
him to move James "to the darkest place, to clean out the equipment and to
make sure that he could not sit or lean. He was confined for three hours."
A source told the Associated Press that James said Leach told him that if he
came out he would be kicked off the team.
According to the source, Leach told the trainer, two days later, to "put [James]
in the darkest, tightest spot. It was in an electrical closet, again, with a guard
posted outside."
Add to that the vague (and unconfirmed) insinuation that Leach initiated the
cruel and unusual routine because he thought James was "faking."
Liggett doesn't deny James was confined on two separate occasions, but only for
the boy's own good: In the first case, Liggett says James had been checked by a doctor
and returned to the practice field, then sent to an equipment room -- perhaps better
characterized as a shed -- for two hours, not three, because it was "cooler and darker"
than the field, and thus a better environment for someone with a concussion; James was
provided with ice and a trainer was "posted" outside the door. What the Associated Press'
source called an "electrical closet" in the second instance, Liggett described as "a press
room with air-conditioning and a stationery bike."
• Character assassination. True to form, Leach apparently didn't mince word with the
university's preliminary investigators into the incident, reportedly calling Adam James
"a slacker" and characterizing Craig James as "always calling and acting like a Little League
dad." A few of Leach's former players (current players have been off-limits to media)
also defended their coach in the same vein to the local Avalanche-Journal, openly
questioning Adam James' toughness, citing his reputation on the team as "soft and
somewhat of a prima donna" and generally defending Leach as a tough -- and sometimes
unorthodox -- but fair disciplinarian who consistently demands some minor, non-harmful
participation from injured players to keep them involved.
So that's Leach's story -- "Spoiled kid and overprotective dad blow routine response
out of proportion" -- and it stands to earn him $800,000 as a "completion bonus" if
he's still the head coach when the calendar turns to the new year on Friday. Now
we find out if the success and exposure he's brought to Lubbock have earned the
frequently impolitic Cap'n enough goodwill to weather such a large (and potentially
expensive) storm, or if his long series of petty battles with athletic director Gerald
Myers and other admins is finally going to force him onto the plank.
Days before Alamo Bowl, Coach Mike Leach suspended indefinitely
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - Just five days before the Red Raiders play in the Alamo Bowl,
Texas Tech has suspended Coach Mike Leach indefinitely.
Mike Leach was suspended immediately until an investigation surrounding his treatment
of Red Raider wide receiver Adam James is completed. James and his family filed a complaint
with Texas Tech University after alleging Coach Leach isolated James in a storage closet after
not practicing due to a concussion.
A statement released by the James family states, "Mr. and Mrs. James took the step with
great regret and after consideration and prayer to convey to the Texas Tech administration
that their son had been subjected to actions and treatment not consistent with common sense
rules for safety and health. The James family believes this is a matter important to protect
all the fine young men involved in tech football and the university's reputation for developing
and educating young men and women. Over the past year, there has been a greatly enhanced
recognition of the dangers of concussions and the potential for long-term physical damage to
players. At virtually every level of football coaching, cases where children and young men have
sustained concussions have generated serious discussion of the importance of correct treatment
and diagnosis. The entire James family is supportive of the university and looks forward to a
resolution of the matter."
There is no telling how long this investigation into the matter will take or what lies ahead for Coach
Mike Leach. According to reports, Leach's attorney Ted Ligget will soon begin legal steps to overturn
the suspension which would possibly allow Leach to coach in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday.
According to the statement released, an investigation of the incident is underway. Until the
investigation is complete, Texas Tech University is suspending coach Leach from all duties as
Head Football Coach effective immediately. Coach Ruffin McNeill will assume duties as Interim
Head Coach and will coach the team during the Alamo Bowl.
The decision to take these actions was made in consultation with the Texas Tech University
president, and the Texas Tech University System chancellor, and Board of Regents chairman
and vice chairman.
Statement from Texas Tech on Suspension of Football Coach Mike Leach
Texas Tech University recently received a complaint from a player and his parents regarding
Red Raider Head Football Coach Mike Leach's treatment of the athlete after an injury.
At Texas Tech all such complaints are considered as serious matters, and as a result, an
investigation of the incident is underway. Until the investigation is complete, Texas Tech
University is suspending coach Leach from all duties as Head Football Coach effective immediately.
The investigation into this matter will continue in a thorough and fair manner.
Coach Ruffin McNeill will assume duties as Interim Head Coach and will coach the team during
the Alamo Bowl.
The decision to take these actions was made in consultation with the Texas Tech University
president, and the Texas Tech University System chancellor, and Board of Regents chairman
and vice chairman.
Because this is a personnel matter no further comment will be forthcoming.
Alamo Bowl reacts to Leach suspension
Posted: Dec 29, 2009 10:14 AM CST
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) - This is a blog posted by Rick Hill, the Valero Alamo Bowl's Vice
President of Marketing and Communications.
The blog comes from mysanantonio.com. The blog reads as follows:
The tone for Bowl Week is usually set within the first couple of hours of team arrival. Players
and coaches come to town and immediately have to deal with a city, a host hotel and a practice
site they may have never been to before as well as a routine that is very unlike the regular season.
Our goal is to make their first day in San Antonio as smooth as possible and Michigan State's
team arrival on Sunday was one of the most routine the Valero Alamo Bowl had ever encountered.
After a slight delay, their team plane landed and they checked into the hotel and headed to
the practice field with ease.
Texas Tech players were scheduled to arrive individually yesterday so there was not an
official welcome with the usual mariachis and committee members handing out bowl stickers.
After spending the equivalent of five days waiting for delayed teams over my 11 years at the
bowl (Colorado wins the prize with an 11 hour delay in 2002 due to inclement weather), one
official team welcome was fine by me.
The bowl staff would instead welcome Texas Tech to San Antonio at their first team meeting
yesterday at 4 p.m. Waiting to go into the meeting, we learned that Texas Tech had suspended
Head Coach Mike Leach and Defensive Coordinator Ruffin McNeil would be the interim coach
for Saturday's Valero Alamo Bowl. Within minutes, a slew of calls, texts and emails came pouring
in and we were faced with the reality of having a game without one of its most recognized figures.
Mike Leach may have graced the cover of Texas Monthly and had a cameo in Friday Night
Lights in the last year, but he won't be talking about pirates at the Bowl Week events and he
won't be on the Alamodome sidelines on Saturday.
Our game has featured interim coaches before as Bo Pelini took over Nebraska for a fired
Frank Solich in 2003 (ironically against Michigan State) and Gary Darnell served as interim
head coach for a fired Dennis Franchione in 2006 when Texas A&M played Penn State. In
both cases, their teams came to play as a spirited Husker team manhandled the Spartans
17-3 and the Aggies were in the game until the final series before losing 24-17 to a heavily
favored Nittany Lions squad. However, those coaching changes all occurred before Selection
Sunday when the bowls picked their teams. A Bowl Week coaching change is a first for us.
The Valero Alamo Bowl's official statement on Leach's suspension is "It's an institutional matter
and we'll let Texas Tech make any comments on the matter." What I can say is our staff went
from zero to 60 as a slow day spent trying to sell the few remaining tickets into a deluge of calls,
texts and emails. I pondered the small issues like wondering if we can return the cowboy hat we
bought for Leach to give out at our Coaches Dinner to a larger one of how losing a head coach
and offensive coordinator affects the on-field product.
One way to analyze the latter was to watch McNeil talk to the media after their practice last
night at University of the Incarnate Word. Winding through the campus, I didn't take my usual
joy in the university's impressive holiday light display as I drove up to a throng of media surrounding
McNeil complete with a helicopter circling overhead.
To view video of McNeil's comments, please click here. In a tough circumstance, McNeil was
impressive and brightened my mood. He had a plan for the week and wasn't overwhelmed. He
didn't want to answer questions about the suspension and when one media member tried to
"trick him" into answering he joked about "having two degrees." The other thing I noticed was
the mood of the players walking into the locker room. They seemed upbeat and not the least
bit burdened.
In the 2005 MasterCard Alamo Bowl, Oklahoma State Head Coach Les Miles was rumored to
have been in discussions with LSU about their head coaching position. It was a job he would
take a week after the game and you could sense during Bowl Week the players were not inspired.
This was not the case with Texas Tech last night. McNeil is a player's coach and the team seemed
ready to perform for him.
After the press conference, I walked the Riverwalk and visited the Texas Tech team hotel. You
could sense a great appreciation for all that Leach had done for the program but there was confidence
that McNeil could lead the team and quarterback Taylor Potts could direct the offense.
Ideally, our game would feature two teams going at each other at full strength in front of a capacity
crowd on Saturday night. But as the great philosopher Bruce Bowen once said (more than 100 times),
"it is what it is" so the Valero Alamo Bowl will go with the hand we have been dealt. Like everyone
else, I am curious to see what happens.
Six days before the team closes its season in the Alamo Bowl, the game has become the least
of Texas Tech's worries, which began this afternoon with a mysterious report from the university
that coach Mike Leach wouldn't be on the sideline due to an investigation into alleged mistreatment
of a player:
LUBBOCK, Texas – Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has been suspended while the school
investigates complaints from a player and his family about treatment after an injury.
The school said in a release Monday defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be the interim
coach and lead the team in the Alamo Bowl on Jan. 2 against Michigan State.
McNeill will remain in charge of the team until the investigation is complete.
The official release from the university doesn't shed much light. ESPN reporter Joe Schad,
however, gets more specific on his Twitter feed: "Mike Leach is alleged to have isolated a
player in a dark closet for not practicing with a concussion." That player, we soon learned, is wide receiver Adam James, son of ex-SMU star and current ESPN analyst Craig James, who
reported to Texas Tech "with great regret and after consideration" that "[his] son had been subjected
to actions and treatment not consistent with common sense rules for safety and health," according
to a release by the family. Specific allegations include confining Adam James to an equipment room
for three hours when he was unable to practice and instructing a trainer to "place James in an
electrical closet." An attorney for Leach (who also has his own law degree) admitted James was
secluded on two occasions, but "the circumstances were not as portrayed by the James family."
Oh: By the way, Craig James was scheduled to call the Alamo Bowl for ESPN on Jan. 2, where
his and his son's beef with Leach will be the hottest story throughout the broadcast; predictably,
that assignment has been scuttled.
From Leach's perspective, the important word is alleged; an accusation by a disgruntled player
can fall apart in a hurry when people start digging into the facts. It doesn't help Leach, though,
that the quirky, freewheeling persona that's made him such a crowd (and blogger) favorite over
the years also makes him a logical candidate to step over the line. We already know he's no
stranger to creative punishment, and with the recent deluge of information about the debilitating
long-term effects of concussions, anything in the vicinity of "isolating a player in a closet" for
refusing to put himself at risk could qualify as a firing offense. And a complaint by a well-connected
football lifer like Craig James is unlikely to come up empty.
Not that anyone is particularly looking to kick Leach to the curb the way so many people in Kansas
seemed anxious to be rid of the infamously sour and temperamental coach Mark Mangino earlier
this year, when a complaint by a current player in the midst of a losing streak sparked an investigation
that opened the floodgates for a parade of ex-players and parents to air their grievances and force Mangino's ouster. Aside from some contentious contract negotiations, Leach is a generally
beloved figure around Lubbock, one of the game's few genuinely unique characters and the most
successful coach in Tech history to boot; the Raiders' first obvious regression on the field in his
tenure this fall -- from a breakout 11-2 finish in 2008 to a relatively mediocre 8-4 in '09 -- isn't going
to change that. If James' charge has legs, though, all the wins, passing records, primetime cameos
and fawning national profiles may not be enough to save the Cap'n this time.
(from the Assoc Press)
Texas Tech suspends coach Mike Leach
By BETSY BLANEY, Associated Press Writer 8 hours, 52 minutes ago
LUBBOCK, Texas (AP)—Texas Tech is preparing for the Alamo Bowl without its quirky coach.
University officials on Monday suspended Mike Leach while the school investigates complaints
from receiver Adam James and his family about how the player was treated after a concussion
in practice earlier this month.
James is the son of former NFL player Craig James, now an analyst for ESPN.
Defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill will be the interim coach when the Red Raiders play Michigan
State in San Antonio on Jan. 2.
McNeill, who will remain in charge of the team until the investigation is complete, declined to
answer questions about the complaints after Monday night’s practice in San Antonio. Players were
not made available to the media.
“Mike’s my friend. We’ve been friends for a long time, and I don’t think right now is the right time
to go into that,” said McNeill, who Leach brought to Texas Tech in 2000.
He said Leach arrived with the team in San Antonio and that Adam James also was with the team,
but not practicing. School officials declined to identify the player, but James’ family released a
statement to The Associated Press saying it was him.
A person with direct knowledge of the complaints told the AP that James, while unable to practice
with a concussion, twice was forced to stand in a small, dark place for hours while the team practiced.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the complaint
and the ongoing investigation.
James was hurt Dec. 16 and the next day was diagnosed with a concussion, the person said.
According to the person, James was sequestered at two consecutive practices:
— On Dec. 17, James said Leach told trainers to put him in “the darkest place you can find.” James
was sent to an equipment shed near the practice field, where a member of the athletic staff checked
on James to make sure he did not lean against anything or sit on the floor. James said Leach told
him that if he came out he would be kicked off the team.
— When the team returned to practice two days later, on Dec. 19, James said Leach told trainers
to “find the tightest, darkest place” for the player. James, in his street clothes, was put in an
electrical closet inside the football stadium for hours, again monitored by a member of the athletic
staff.
The James family contacted the university after the second practice, the person said.
Leach’s attorney, Ted Liggett, disputed the account.
Adam James “claimed to have been hurt,” was examined and diagnosed with a “mild concussion,”
Liggett told the AP. “I believe that (Adam James) was a disgruntled student athlete that like many
were not happy with their playing time.”
Liggett told ESPN.com that James “was placed in an equipment room as it was much cooler
and darker” than the practice field. The second time, Liggett told ESPN.com, James was placed
in a “press room with air conditioning and a stationary
bike he could use.”
McNeill said he was told Monday afternoon that he was taking over for Leach, then told the
players shortly afterward.
“They were probably a little shocked, but at the same time, they did a good job of coming on the
field and doing what I asked them to do. I was proud of that,” McNeill said.
Craig James had been scheduled to announce the Alamo Bowl. ESPN spokesman Josh
Krulewitz said that was no longer the case.
The James family issued a statement Monday saying their “son had been subjected to actions
and treatment not consistent with common sense rules for safety and health.”
“Over the past year, there has been a greatly enhanced recognition of the dangers of concussions
and the potential for long term physical damage to players. At virtually every level of football
coaching, cases where children and young men have sustained concussions have generated
serious discussion of the importance of correct treatment and diagnosis.”
There’s been internal strife this season with the Red Raiders (8-4).
Leach chastised players after a loss to Texas A&M in October for listening to “their fat little
girlfriends” and thinking the Aggies were a pushover. After the Red Raiders’ loss at then-No.
12 Houston in September, Leach suspended starting offensive lineman Brandon Carter indefinitely
for violating team rules.
That week, Leach also banned his players from having Twitter pages after linebacker Marlon
Williams posted a tweet that asked why he was still in a meeting room when “the head coach
can’t even be on time.”
Leach led Texas Tech to the best season in program history last year, going 11-2. He and the
university were at odds for months over a contract extension. In February, Leach and the school
agreed to a five-year, $12.7 million deal that could keep him there through 2013.
LUBBOCK, TX (KCBD) – The news of Mike Leach's suspension spread fast across the Hub City.
On Saturday fans will gather at bars across the Hub City to watch the Red Raiders take on
Michigan State under the direction of a new head coach. Just days before the match up and
right after Monday's announcement Red Raider fans speak out on the coaching shake-up.
"I was shocked," says Daniel Odell, a Red Raider football fan who learned of the news late
Monday afternoon.
News of Coach Leach's suspension spread across the Red Raider fan base. "I had a friend call
me around 4:30 p.m. and let me know, it was kind of shocking," says Justin Robertson.
"Leach has never really been one to shy away from controversies given comments and interviews
he has given before but this did seem above and beyond what normally happens," says Tech
fan Lance Stanford.
Stanford follows Red Raider sports and believes the circumstances surrounding Leach's suspension
are receiving more attention because of wide receiver Adam James' dad's high profile status –
Craig James is an ESPN commentator. "Look at Bob Knight, he got in trouble for throwing chairs
and smacking kids around on the court but everyone says that's just how he is and when it comes
to Leach and all suddenly the players dad is someone of importance so now Tech takes a stance on
it," adds Stanford about the situation.
"If it had been someone else it wouldn't have been such a big deal," adds Odell.
Despite the distraction, fans still anticipate a Red Raider victory on Saturday. "With all of the planning
that's been done for the Alamo Bowl the team can't make a whole lot of changes at this point. So I
would think that what they do for the game would not be affected, but it will affect what happens going
into the next year," says Robertson.
Texas Tech University is still investigating exactly what happened between Coach Leach and James
to elicit the allegations.
Mike Leach’s outspokenness, unconventional coaching methods and quirky behavior on and off the
football field have been well-documented. He’s also been known to verbally criticize his players,
sometimes publicly.
According to several of his former players, though, Texas Tech’s head coach is not in the least bit
a bully or a bad guy.
Several former Red Raiders vehemently defended Leach on Monday after he was indefinitely
suspended by the university for his alleged mistreatment of an injured player. Leach’s punishment
came in response to a complaint made by sophomore receiver Adam James and his family, along
with the results of an internal investigation that Tech administrators said is ongoing.
“I’m privy to a lot of stuff going on down there, and I think the whole thing has been blown way out
of proportion. I’m totally in support of coach Leach,” said former offensive lineman Cody Campbell,
who was part of Leach’s first recruiting class at Tech. “I’ve heard Adam James was involved with it,
he supposedly had a concussion and that Leach basically made him adhere to team rules and
guidelines when it comes to injuries. And (James) was upset by that.
“Leach has unusual methods for doing things a lot of times, but he’s never cruel and never out
of line in doing them.”
Former Tech offensive lineman Daniel Loper, who now plays for the NFL’s Detroit Lions, also was
stunned and surprised by the allegations against Leach. Loper said the incident in question is
nothing like the one earlier this year at Kansas, where head coach Mark Mangino resigned amid
allegations that he abused his players verbally and physically.
“The whole time I was there, and as well as I know coach Leach, he would never do anything to
publicly humiliate or endanger someone’s wellbeing, and he would never do anything unprofessional,
” Loper said. “… I never saw him show any kind of favoritism or any kind of hate toward any singular person.”
Former players Graham Harrell and Eric Morris, who finished their Tech careers last season,
said Leach handles injured players appropriately and equally. They said Leach and his coaching
staff do not pressure players to return to the field before they’re healthy enough to do so, and
Morris also said injured players are required to participate in practices just like every other Red
Raider.
For example, a player with an injured leg would be required to do pushups during a workout so
he could maintain his conditioning and continue to build strength. Former Tech offensive lineman
Glenn January referred to the common practice as “Muscle Beach” and also said Leach “doesn’t
deviate from the (NCAA) rule book at all and wouldn’t do anything to put a player in harm at all.”
“If you’re injured, you’re required to still participate in some form or fashion. You still have to be
outside and doing something,” Morris said. “At times people have tried to get away with faking a
little nag here and there, and to get away from people doing that, you always need to let everybody
know they’re not going to stand around and do nothing. It’s a great thing to have in place. Some
people want to get complacent and do different things because things aren’t going their way.”
Harrell, who finished the 2008 regular-season finale against Baylor despite breaking several bones
in his hand during the first half, said Leach left the decision up to him and did not pressure the
quarterback to play through the injury. Harrell also said he had the blessing of Tech’s trainers
and doctors.
“He was hard on us,” Harrell said, “but it wasn’t like he ever threatened us or put us in a situation
that was dangerous to us.”
Some former Tech players, who said they have been in contact with current Red Raiders and
the coaching staff, questioned the validity of James’ complaint as well as his motives and intentions.
They also said James has a reputation for being soft and somewhat of a prima donna.
“I think some people honestly are not tough enough to play college football, and (James) might
be one of them, especially if he’s worried about being called out or humiliated,” Loper said. “…
Sometimes that happens, especially at the collegiate level. It’s not like high school and Pop Warner,
where everyone gets to play and gets a pat on the back. Sometimes coaches can be mean and yell.”
January said the shed in which James spent practice on Dec. 17 might have been the most
appropriate place to deal with his concussion, because it kept him out of the sunlight. January
said he and his teammates on the offensive line often retreated to the same shed during practices
to rest and escape the heat.
“It’s not like it’s some dungeon,” he said.
January and some other former Tech players also suggested the incident wouldn’t have been
scrutinized if James wasn’t the son of Craig James, a former SMU and NFL standout who now
works as a television analyst for ESPN.
“It’s basically a non-issue,” January said. “The only reason it’s getting any attention is because
of who his dad is.”
Neither Adam James nor any other Tech player was made available for comment Monday after
Leach’s suspension was announced, and Craig James did not return multiple calls from The
A-J seeking comment.
Regardless of what happened, many former Tech players said the timing of the Jameses’ complaint
and Leach’s subsequent suspension is unfortunate. The Red Raiders face Michigan State in the
Alamo Bowl on Saturday, and it’s also prime recruiting season.
Former players such as Harrell, Loper and Ryan Aycock said Tech administrators, recruits and
even fans should not rush to judgement.
“Anybody that looks into this story should not be shied away,” Loper said. “I don’t know the whole
situation with Adam’s father and his influence, and I don’t know if they’re thinking they’re being
mistreated like the deal at Kansas. I don’t think this is a situation where (Leach) should be fired
or even suspended. From what I’ve heard, I think it’s a little over the line.”
Mike Leach doesn’t publicly speak about injuries to his football players. How he handled one
in private a little more than a week ago led to his suspension Monday.
The announcement Leach would not coach the Red Raiders in Saturday’s Alamo Bowl against
Michigan State came after the parents of receiver Adam James — father Craig is an ESPN college
football analyst — complained about how their son was treated.
While defensive coordinator Ruffin McNeill was tapped to take Leach’s place, Leach’s attorney,
Ted Liggett, said he hasn’t given up hope that Leach will coach in the bowl.
“We’re going to do everything we can to see that our client is duly served justice and that he’s
reunited with his boys as soon as possible,’’ Liggett said.
Asked how he planned to go about it, Liggett said, “Through the court system, don’t ya?’’
Tech completed an initial investigation before suspending Leach. The Avalanche-Journal learned
during that investigation Leach did not dispute the facts, but did not believe he had done anything
wrong. Leach also told officials James was a slacker and his father was always calling and acting
like a Little League dad.
Leach had until Monday to write an apology and when he did not, the university officials felt they
had to take action.
Leach has been suspended indefinitely, with pay, from his role as head coach.
“We obviously think the allegations are very serious,” said Jerry Turner, Board of Regents vice
chair.
James practiced with the team in San Antonio on Monday.
Tech did not release details of the incident, saying only that it “received a complaint from a player
and his parents regarding … Leach’s treatment of the athlete after an injury.”
Craig James was scheduled to work the Alamo Bowl broadcast; ESPN confirmed on Monday
he’ll be replaced.
The A-J learned that on Dec. 17, Leach ordered James to stand in a dark shed at the Tech football
practice facility because he thought James was faking a concussion he’d suffered during practice
the previous day. Leach had him watched, and when James sat down, Leach had things removed
from the shed so he could not sit.
Two days later, Leach forced James to stand in a dark room for three hours.
“Mr. and Mrs. James took the step with great regret and after consideration and prayer to convey
to the Texas Tech Administration that their son had been subjected to actions and treatment not
consistent with commonsense rules for safety and health,” the James family said in a statement
issued through a publicist.
Liggett said it’s “ridiculous’’ to characterize the building adjacent to the team’s practice fields as a
“shed’’ or an “electrical closet.’’
“Because of the fact that he had a concussion and he was extremely limited in the physical activity
he could undergo, Mike felt like that was the best place for him and still be close to and part of
the team,’’ Liggett said.
Liggett said while James was secluded on two occasions, he was not treated inappropriately and
had a doctor’s statement attesting to that.
“There’s much, much more than meets the eye,’’ Liggett said. “The diagnosing doctor has signed
a note stating that Adam James was in no way injured by the actions coach Leach took. In fact,
he was better off in the building than he would have been outside.”
The decision to suspend Leach was made in consultation with the Tech president, chancellor
and Board of Regents members.
Regents chair Larry Anders said he could not comment on the investigation because it is a
personnel issue, but the decision was ultimately made by Tech President Guy Bailey and Athletic
Director Gerald Myers.
“We’ve been briefed, but ultimately, at the end of the day, it came down to a decision by the
president and (athletic director),” Anders said.
Bailey and Chancellor Kent Hance did not return phone calls for comment. Tech football players
did not give interviews after their first practice in San Antonio on Monday night, and an ESPN
representative said Craig James will not be giving interviews at this time.
“We have a sense of regret this has come right before a bowl game,” Turner said. “I really hope
our team can rally behind coach McNeill.”
Leach received three national coach of the year awards in 2008 after leading Tech to an 11-2 record and a Cotton Bowl berth. It also earned him a new, five-year, $12.7 million contract that came after the school and the coach had a heated and contentious battle to get the deal done. If the contract is terminated, Tech would have to pay Leach $400,000 for each remaining year.
Tech is 8-4 overall and 5-3 in the Big 12 this season.
Leach is known for his outspokenness.
This fall he famously criticized players’ family and friends as “fat little girlfriends” who beefed up players’ egos. He changed quarterback Taylor Potts’ jersey to say “Nick” because he thought Taylor wasn’t a masculine enough name for the QB. He suspended linebacker Marlon Williams and banned players from using Twitter after Williams posted “Wondering why I’m still in this meeting room when the head coach can’t even be on time to his on (sic) meeting.”
Leach suspended offensive guard Brandon Carter after the Raiders’ loss to Houston on Sept. 19 for an outburst that included smashing his helmet and loudly criticizing the coaching staff.
Last spring, Leach sent split end Edward Britton to study on the football field despite 30-degree weather and snow flurries because Britton had missed a study session.
(content courtesy of AP, ESPN, Yahoo, the AJ, KCBD)
HILARIOUS YOUTUBE VIDEO -- SEE, EVERYONE'S MADE LEACH IS GONE!
(***warning*** - viewer discretion advised...some captions a little "racy" with language)
12/30/2009 2:14PM
YOUR THOUGHTS ON MIKE LEACH BEING FIRED
We Thank You and will MISS YOU Coach!!
12/30/2009 2:22PM
WHAT??
Gerald Myers needs to sit down!!
Join the "SIT IN" at Memorial Circle -12noon tomorrow!
12/30/2009 2:27PM
NO WAY
This is just wrong!!!!!!
12/30/2009 2:41PM
Myers Needs to Go!
Bad timeing, very unprofessional, typical Gerald Myers. Good luch finding another quality Coach now!
12/30/2009 3:08PM
stupid
the administration at the school is incredibly stupid for getting rid of an asset that has helped improve their school and made them money
12/30/2009 3:12PM
BIGTEX
I THINK THIS WILL PROVE TO BE THE BIGGEST EMBARRASMENT TO TEXAS TECH IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL. LEACH DID ABSOLUTELY NOTHING WRONG, AND THE SCHOOL WAS JUST LOOKING FOR A MINUTE REASON TO GET RID OF HIM. THEY DO NOT REALIZE HOW MUCH MONEY THIS WILL COST THE UNIVERSITY IN BOTH TICKET SALES AND ENDORSEMENTS. COACH LEACH, WE WILL MISS YOU! A GREAT INJUSTICE HAS JUST SURFACED AT TEXAS TECH.
12/30/2009 3:18PM
How Much More???
How much more of Gerald Myers' bullying is Texas Tech going to put up with in regards to coaching changes? He has no morals or ethical cooth!
12/30/2009 3:18PM
Question
Where is the protest at tomorrow at noon?
12/30/2009 3:35PM
SO LONG TO A GREAT COACH!!
I ONLY WISH WE WERE SAYING SO LONG TO A TRULY WORTHLESS AND SPINELESS ATHLETIC DIRECTOR TODAY!!!
12/30/2009 3:46PM
Going Burnt Orange
Never thought I would say this but I will be going Burnt Orange now. Texas Tech does not deserve my respect or my support. If Meyers and Hanes do not get the can soon, I will be concerned for their safety in Lubbock. This is Texas where MEN play football, not Mama's boys.
12/30/2009 3:55PM
knowthetruth
before everyone gets upset new story circulating that Leach applied for the Florida after coach there extended his thoughts of quitting or retiring due to his illness and age, then withdrew his resignation, but too late for leach, regents found out and the whole James story was exposed to cover the real truth that he was against his contract for not notifying the university of this application.... hang in there tech fans we are fans of the players as well..... more developments.....
12/30/2009 4:02PM
SERIOUSLY
What kind of coach are they are going to replace Leach with" Seriously! What smart, good coach would come to a University---that does not stand behind you; that bows down to some has been's kid; that is about to lose a lot of Money including that nice UNDER ARMOUR contract; that let the best thing they have go but threw the rest of the football staff, team and fans under the bus! ANSWER: THEY ARE LOOKING FOR A PRETTY SORRY INDIVIDUAL WITH NO BACKBONE!
12/30/2009 4:17PM
SUPPORT LEACH!!
We love Coach Leach!! He has brought such greatness to Tech Football. SIT IN TO SUPPORT COACH LEACH TOMORROW AT 12 NOON AT MEMORIAL CIRCLE. SPREAD THE WORD!!!!
12/30/2009 4:18PM
AMAZED
So Sorry Myers is so determined to get rid of Leach. Hope the Team decides not to play without their Coach.
12/30/2009 4:22PM
hs coach
James is a joke. His daddy is a joke..check out his history in college football and what happened at SMU. This kid nor anybody is entitled you earn your position in lie and on sports teams. Texas Tech administration has no stones at all. The y have embarrassed the University and turn their backs on the real athletes of the football team that have worked hard and been disciplined and accepted discipline
12/30/2009 4:30PM
MYERS & JAMES BOOOOOOO!
I think it's time for Tech to wake up and smell the coffee. Myers was a terrible basketball coach and is a terrible administrator!! Fired him to save the University. James needed to be sent off in a black & red box! Him and Big Daddy need to be sent away and ESPN should go with them!
12/30/2009 4:39PM
MYERS NEEDS THE WALKING PAPERS!!
I believe that Gerald is the problem with the entire Leach drama!!! We as Tech alums need to voice our opinion to higer beings on the food chain at Tech. Gerald is making OUR university the laughing stock of NCAA.
12/30/2009 5:13PM
What a loss.
Texas Tech football will not be the same without Coach Leach. It's a shame when others(Myers) won't let him do his job.
12/30/2009 5:50PM
Myers has harmed us all
He has proven the old addage that u can't fix stupid. we have learned to identify it thoug (insert Gerald Myers picture here)
12/30/2009 6:11PM
LETS LET CRAIG JAMES FOOT THE BILL
Why Don't we let Craig James foot the bill for this fiasco. He could use booster money from SMU boosters.
12/30/2009 6:13PM
No More Support
Took Down my Tech Flags.
12/30/2009 6:40PM
MYERS NEEDS TO BE LET GO
Where is the place to sing MYERS OUT of Texas Tech
12/30/2009 7:51PM
Don't support Ruffin
Nothing would make me prouder as an alum than for the Red Raiders to refuse to suit up without their coach this Saturday Night. I hope that any fans travelling to San Antonio raise holy hell while thay're there. Adam James and this administration should feel the complete wrath of Red Raider Nation. Arrrrrrr!
12/30/2009 7:52PM
adam is lazy
I think adam never tried. Why did leach ever take adam. For the last 10 YEARS MIKE LED THEM TO A BOWL GAME. It's who his dad is. If his dad was some guy for china they would not care.I HOPE THEY WIN!!1 THE ALMO BOWL.ROCK ON RED RAIDERS.
12/30/2009 8:42PM
Stand for something
I think all the fans would stand behind the team if they decided not to play. I think they should walk out as a team and when the captains go for the coin toss the whole team goes and out and gives the game up. I think that would show so much character-unlike what the University has shown. The team owes the University nothing, The University threw each player and football staff and fans under the bus without thinking twice about it. If they decided to do this it could mess with the ESPN programming as well, which is as much to blame as anyone else because they were played by Daddy James. Just a though
12/30/2009 10:08PM
Adam is the reason!!!
After reading and hearing why Coach Leach being fired is breath taking.. I am a season ticket holder for several years and after all this childish actions have taken place, I will no be a season ticket holder anymore. It sounds like the coaches all gave Adam a chance and he is just a life's screw up that can not handle hard work. I remember that our coaches made us run till we vomited if we did something wrong, so standing in a dark room is mild compared to the running. Adam is jut a big sissy that can not handle life and he should move back in with his "hovering" dad. I hope that the Red Raiders stand up and do not show up to play at the Bowl game in 2 days; TTU has just been humiliated !!!!!
12/30/2009 10:30PM
pretty sorry
Daddy's boy will forever be a whiner and slacker but NEVER a MAN because of the way myers used this to save ttu MONEY. There is NOT a winner anywhere in this except the lawyers.
12/30/2009 10:46PM
MAD SCIENTIST FOR PRESIDENT
This is ridiculous!! Sounds to me like Mr. Myers has little man syndrome and can't handle it when someone else is more important to the athletic department than he is!!! Gerald, get a clue...Leach more than doubled the football program's income at Tech...you're a real smart man...who do you think wants to cheer for 'em now??
12/30/2009 11:30PM
CRAZY
sad to see this happen to coach leach, but things happen for a reason and he'll just be in a better place to coach with better people!!! adam james needs to handle his own problems instead of his pappy! he wanted to play ball so play ball!
12/31/2009 6:00AM
what are we doing
I cannot beleive all the people of Lubbock. As in any situation, there are always tow sieds, and the people of Lubbock have deemed TTU guilty without all the facts. All of you stating you will not support TTU anymore where never really tech fans. How can you support Tech based on the Caoch. I'm a tech fan not because of Leach. I was a fan B4 Leach, and I'll remain a tech fan. I feel TTU has the right to hire and fire any TTU employee without the imput of the citizens of Lubbock. They like any other employer should have the same rights, Sure I may not be totally fair, but is any employee that is fired state they were in the wrong, or is it always the employer that was int he wrong
12/31/2009 7:13AM
University of Oklahoma
Welcome back to mediocrity, Tech. We will send you Kevin "mr. predictable" down there. Send Leach back. One of the few Big 12 coaches that knew how to beat us and you clowns get rid of him. What time does his flight arrive in OKC.
Weekends With KLLL
– Breach of contract.
The 54-year-old Briles, a Rule native and Tech graduate, was Leach’s running backs coach with the Red Raiders from 2000-02. He’s 8-16 in two seasons at Baylor and 42-44 in seven years as a college head coach. He previously was at Houston, where he led the Cougars to three bowl games and a Conference USA championship in his five seasons, and was the longtime head coach at Stephenville High School before entering the college coaching ranks.
Carpenter’s father, Jeff, said Arkansas and Miami (Fla.) coaches also have tried to make late pitches, but Beau Carpenter said he remains solid to Tech. He signed a financial aid agreement with Tech in December, allowing him to enroll at midterm, and he plans to move to Lubbock on Sunday and start classes on Jan. 13.
The Texas-Iowa Alamo Bowl in 2006 was the previous most-watched ESPN bowl game all-time, according to the Alamo Bowl Web Site, drawing 8.8 million viewers.
Tuberville will get an interview with Tech on Wednesday, Tech athletic director Gerald Myers said. Tuberville declined to comment Monday, but he told The Avalanche-Journal on Sunday he’d keep the wide-open Leach offense in place.
![Texas Tech student Peyton Aufill shows his support for recently fired head football coach Mike Leach during a rally in Memorial Circle at Texas Tech Thursday. "[Leach's firing] doesn't hurt just Tech, but it hurts Lubbock," Aufill said. Thursday, Dec. 31, 2009 (Photo by Geoffrey McAllister/Lubbock Avalanche-Journal)](http://www.redraiders.com/wp-content/uploads//01-01leachsitinGM0711.jpg "01-01leachsitinGM071")
Detroit Lions offensive lineman Dylan Gandy, who was part of Leach’s first recruiting class at Tech, said he thought it was a “big joke” when he first heard the news.
Adam James
Craig James
