Mike Leach Officially Named Head Football Coach At Washington State
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 3:59 PM PST
in 2011 WSU Football News
Email
PrintA short while ago, Ian Furness over at KJR came through with the news that Mike Leach had signed a contract with Washington State. The university has now officially released the news, and Leach has been named the head coach.
From the release:
Washington State University announced Wednesday that Mike Leach has been named the Cougars' head football coach. Leach, who agreed in principle to a five-year contract, will be introduced at a press conference Tuesday, Dec. 6 at noon in Pullman.
President Elson Floyd offered a ringing endorsement of the hire:
"I asked athletic director Bill Moos to select the best head football coach in the country and I am convinced that he has done exactly that," said WSU President Elson S. Floyd.
Bill Moos rehashed much of what he had said in the press conference yesterday:
"This is an exciting day for Washington State University and Cougar football," said Moos. "I have spoken about the need to re-energize our fan base and take Cougar football to the next level. I believe the hiring of Mike Leach accomplishes both of those goals. His credentials speak for themselves."
They certainly do, Bill, they certainly do. I'm still a little in shock that this has happened, and it is awesome to hear that pen has touched paper. This is a historic day for Washington State University Athletics. Moos is doing all he can to make sure we aren't the doormat, and he is exceeding all of our expectations.
175 comments
|
4 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Having both
is greatest.
Streamin' and Threadin' and Shellin | @shellin1
by Shellin on Nov 30, 2011 4:07 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Elson Floyd and Bill Moos kick ass.
This isn’t your dad’s WSU. I love seeing that quote from Floyd. These guys realize that you need to get top talent and need to pay for it (perhaps even more the case, not less, given the location of the school). Floyd was the same way when Sterk left and he hired Bill. No more bargain basement-hunting.
Yes, its good to know that E-Flo was on the same page as Moos.
Go big or go home. Pullman is home, so we had to go big!
by Austin Kittelson on Nov 30, 2011 4:25 PM PST up reply actions
Besides actual on-the-field/on-the-court victories and moments, what other WSU announcement has ever been as exciting as this?
Where would you rank it in comparison to Dick Bennett?
follow @casetines
Dick Bennett was big
This is MASSIVE
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 4:19 PM PST up reply actions
B-Lot Tailgater kind of walked into that
Attractive, Intelligent, Smart A**
by Neil Vincent Roberts on Nov 30, 2011 8:42 PM PST up reply actions
Or I chose my words carefully
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 10:06 PM PST up reply actions
Dick Bennett announcement was one of those "I cannot believe this!!!" moments...
Completely out of the blue…with no forewarning.
This hire of Leach resulted in the same reaction for me…but I admit I had built up a healthy skepticism.
by westsidecougar1 on Nov 30, 2011 4:54 PM PST up reply actions
The difference with that one is that it came out of nowhere
This thing was speculated and it actually happened. That’s what’s so crazy.
by Jeff Nusser on Nov 30, 2011 10:47 PM PST up reply actions
Does President Floyd's coach crack anyone else up?
I asked athletic director Bill Moos to select the best head football coach in the country…
Oh, why didn’t you say so? We should have thought of that before. IT WAS SO SIMPLE!
"Ignorance is the parent of fear." ~Melville
ahem, "Floyd's quote"
"Ignorance is the parent of fear." ~Melville
by johnnycougar on Nov 30, 2011 4:17 PM PST up reply actions
So even the official university twitter account has picked up the pirate talk.
"Tonight, we skate with them. Tonight, we stay with them. And we shut them down because we can!" | Herb Brooks
WSU going out and hiring a coach of awesome pedigree and reputation is something I'm not sure my body is ready for.
SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!
Your avatar kicks ass
There is Nolan Ryan autographed and framed version of that picture at a sports bar in my town.
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 4:20 PM PST up reply actions
Thanks.
Going to see him pitch on opening day against the Brewers was the day I became a Rangers fan.
SB Nation Dallas-Ft. Worth - Christopher Fittz is better than porn!
Is it September yet?
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 4:19 PM PST reply actions
Congratulations from a Texas Techsan
Congratulations WSU for making this great decision to hire the most innovative, honest head coach in America. The strides you make next year will be nice, but in Year 2 when you are playing in a bowl, you will realize what you have!!
The true Texas Tech fans are jealous and sad about our situation, yet happy for Coach. He treated loved Texas Tech and the fans while he was with us and he was run out of town by corrupt administrators. We are glad he has a great place to turn the program around and show us once again what a great coach he is!!
Bowling in year one
Year two will be about how good this team can become for Leach. Year one will be a bowl season with at worst 6 wins considering most starters return on both sides of the line on a team who should have won 6 games this year.
And get used to stuff like this (after Leach showed up in Lubbock)
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
by TechFirst on Nov 30, 2011 7:03 PM PST up reply actions 6 recs
I just hope this pirate learned defense
I love the hiring of Mike Leach, but my only concern is who becomes defensive coordinator and will defense become a factor again, or does Leach plan on having a Big 12 type defense in Pullman?
For the most part, the Big 12 doesn’t know what the word defense means. In the PAC 12 defense is mandatory and Leach will quickly learn if he doesn’t make a good defense he won’t last long in the PAC 12.
We will pay you to take him!!!
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
Mandatory defense ... Made me curious so I had to look
Total defense – Stanford ranked 24 nationally, Cal 27, Utah 30, USC 54, Oregon 64, WSU 81, OSU 83, UCLA 84, ASU 88, Washington 95, Colorado 103, Arizona 111
Besides the fact its been a down couple of years for the PAC 12 ...
The Big 12’s rankings for defense are Oklahoma 29, Texas 32, 49 Missouri, 65 Oklahoma State, 75 Kansas State, 77 Texas A & M, 82 Iowa State, 112 Baylor, 118 Texas Tech, and 120 Kansas. This goes to show the Big 12 doesn’t play D with even worse defenses than a down PAC 12 who fired 4 coaches and should have fired 2 more in Mike Riley and Jeff Tedford. It’s sad in the Big 12 you have several bowl teams with defenses ranked worse than 70 and a top 5 program with a defense ranked 65.
Your numbers for the most part are correct, but you have Utah’s number incorrect with their defense being being ranked 17th overall in defense, not 30th. Oregon 43rd not 64th, Cal 54th not 27th, and ASU 61st not 88th.
Defenses win championships. Offenses get there, defenses win them and that’s why the SEC continues their streak of BCS national championships.
Right
Because Florida and Auburn were primarily known for their steadfast defenses, and that Tebow and Newton thing running the spread was just for show and ball control.
Give it a rest.
I think Nick Fairley just tackled LMJ in the backfield again.
#CougHarmonyOnTwitter #teamnopants
by TiltingRight on Nov 30, 2011 6:20 PM PST up reply actions
That might be
But it’s okay, because DT was faking the handoff and passing for almost 400 yards.
Auburn and Florida simply didn’t have dominant defenses when they won championships in the last 5 years. LSU didn’t have a dominant anything when they won in 2007 over Oklahoma. Saying ‘defense wins championships’ when the last teams that won championships are:
Auburn: most noted for Heisman QB, breaking records all over the place for offense.
Alabama: great defense
Florida: great offense, good defense (against OSU’s great defense)
LSU: great…uh…luck? I guess they were good at defense, but JaMarcus Russell’s great play was the story then IIRC
Florida again: great offense with the spread, good defense
Texas: most prolific offense in the nation that won their game in a shootout against USC
USC: won their game by 30+ points mostly because of offensive firepower
LSU: defense, no doubt
Ohio State: defense over Miami
Miami: offense galore
So no, there’s no one way to be the national champion. It’s not just defense. I think you have to have a solid team without glaring weaknesses, but even that can be fairly untrue – Auburn last year was very meh at defense most of the time, especially in the secondary.
In summary
almost all of us agree with you. We’ve had this conversation with jeremyb on many occasions before.
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 6:29 PM PST up reply actions
Ah, ok
That’s good to know. That whole chestnut of ‘defense wins championships’ was great in the 70s with the Steelers, but it’s kind of silly now.
The SEC wins championships because they have had in general either outstanding players (Auburn) or outstanding coaches (Florida, LSU) or both (Alabama). It’s as simple as that. There’s no reason to think that Leach can’t win a national championship because he’s a great coach. And while the Palouse isn’t exactly a recruiting hotbed he doesn’t have two ridiculously high-star schools to compete with for everyone around him; there’s plenty of reason to think that he can recruit in California, especially since the kids there are likely to be a lot more receptive to playing unconventional but awesome, video-game scoring teams instead of the traditional beat ’em down.
I do think a good dcoordinator can help him if only to give some balance; Kelly and Aliotti work well together partially because of the latitude each gives the other and that their strategies mesh well. Get a defensive coach who wants to attack, beat the hell out of the other team and likes blitzing and playing with a lead and you’ll have a very competitive team.
Mind you I don’t know who that guy is yet, but I suspect he’ll be out there. And in the meantime the Cougs will just score a ton period.
Again.
We’ve all been down this road and think you’re pretty much spot on. No need to defend yourself. But I do enjoy that you’re laying out a well reasoned argument, instead of just “omg ur so dumb”. Makes us all smarter for having read it.
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 6:37 PM PST up reply actions
OK, how about a breakdown:
2010- Auburn’s defense was ranked 54th in points scored
2009- Alabama’s defense ranked number 1 in points scored
2008- Florida’s defense ranked number 5th in points scored
2007- LSU’s defense ranked 20th in points scored
2006- Florida’s defense ranked 6th in points scored
2005- Texas was 5th overall in points scored
2004- USC was 2nd overall in points scored
2003- LSU was 1st overall in points scored
So out of the past 8 years, 6 of the national champions have had defenses ranked in the top 10. And for some reason you and other people on this site don’t find a coincidence in this? Defense has and will always win championships. The game hasn’t completely changed.
And if you extend it 2 more years
You get Miami, which doesn’t help your argument much.
You also fail to note the ranking of the offense in each of those winning games. Let’s see if there’s a correlation there.
2010 – Auburn was 7th in scoring.
2009 – Alabama was 24th
2008 – Florida was 6th
2007 – LSU was 9th
2006 – Florida was 34th
2005 – Texas was 1st
2004 – USC was 6th
2003 – LSU was 18th
Huh. So out of the past 8 years 5 of the national champions have had offense ranked in the top 10. And 6 have had ranked in the top 20. The lowest rank is 34th compared to Auburn’s 54th. Interesting. But that must be a coincidence, right?
holy crap.
I drop a little line to troll you, and it turns into a whole subthread of tl,dr.
#CougHarmonyOnTwitter #teamnopants
by TiltingRight on Nov 30, 2011 7:52 PM PST up reply actions
And how about LSU and Alabama?
LSU is number 2 in defense this year while Alabama is number 1. Is that a coincidence? Add in Georgia and the SEC has 3 teams ranked in the top 10 in defense. Alabama’s national championship team had what many consider to be among the best defenses in college football history allowing 11 points a game.
By the way in 2006, 2008, and 2009 Florida had top 10 defenses coincidentally two of the national championships were from those years. Tebow’s teams had top ten defenses to back him up. If you are going to tell me to “give it a rest” at least have your facts straight.
LSU showed Oregon at the beginning of the season how a good defense beats a good offense.
Can we just end this argument?
It’s been discussed ad naseum, and it’s tired. You think defense is the the most important factor in winning championships. Many others don’t. You aren’t changing your mind. Neither are the others. Let’s just move on amicably.
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 6:39 PM PST up reply actions
Do I just lay down?
We obviously agree to disagree as there’s no “right” or “wrong” answer here as to preferences for how a team should play. We all have a preference to how an offense should be run. I’m not trying to change your opinion Kyle or Jeff’s, or anyone else I’ve had this discussion with but when someone responds to my comment with incorrect information, I’m going to comment on it.
Perhaps you stop responding with incorrect or misleading assertions then?
If you believe that there’s no right or wrong way to play, stop saying that there’s a right way to play and that’s through defense. You were simply wrong about the Big12’s lack of defense (or the Pac-12’s mandatory defensive skills) and you’re wrong about any reasonable correlation between defenses and championships. This isn’t the NFL, where you have to play 3-4 tough games to win a superbowl; you have to simply get through your division and then play one outstanding game. That’s it. And there are lots of routes there.
But at request, I’ll stop.
Wrong?
I’m wrong about the Big 12’s lack of defense? What was I wrong about? Go back and look at those numbers. Not one team in the top 20 in points scored. You obviously don’t understand the Big 12 doesn’t play defense. I live in Iowa and a friend is a huge Iowa State/Big 12 guy and he’ll tell the Big 12 doesn’t play defense.
I’m wrong about a correlation between championships and defenses?
I say you are wrong about offenses winning it. Top offenses since 2003: Oklahoma, Louisville, Texas, Hawaii, Hawaii, Oklahoma, Boise State, Oregon, and Houston. Only one of these teams has won a national championship.
I’m now done. Correct me again and call me wrong again and we’ll continue to butt heads.
Just FYI
there’s only been two top defenses that’s won a championship as well in that timeframe.
So not a lot of correlation there either.
Again, we’re talking about 8 data points. 8! It’s like saying that if you flip a coin 8 times and come out with 6 heads that something meaningful can be said about all coinflips everywhere.
Also, the argument that you know a guy in the Big-12 who can talk to me is awesome. I love that argument. That’s the best one yet. Do you also know a guy who believes that the potted plants are trying to kill him and that’s why Les Miles eats grass every game – to show those potted plants who is really in charge?
Please. At the very least use something like FEI or S&P to justify these things, because otherwise it’s a pretty stupid argument and you’re doing things like comparing Hawaii to LSU.
Really?
OK, if you want to look at the top ten offenses each year for the past 10 years and then look at the top 10 defenses. I guarantee you there’s a greater correlation between defenses winning it the national championship or winning big bowl games.
If you are a defense and you continually yield less than 2 TD’s a game, you are going to win a ton of games. That what most of those national championship teams did. Yes some had solid offenses to go with them, but as Alabama and LSU are proving this year, rock solid defenses keep you in the game. If either of those teams had a top 10 offense they would be among the greatest teams ever.
The argument about the Big 12 was already based on stats and I just threw that in there about my buddy, as I watch Big 12 football every weekend because that’s what typically on in my region, either that or Big Ten football and I usually see high scores in these games with little to no defense.
Points scored is a very valid argument and it comes from Rivals. If a defense gives up 10 points a game, I don’t care if that info comes from FEI or S&P or wherever else you think it should come from it’s still a valid argument not a stupid one.
I’m rather upset that you are allowed to call me stupid, tell me I’m wrong, and what not on this site yet no one says a word? It’s interesting how people write things behind a keyboard that they wouldn’t say in public.
are you guys gonna talk last year's stats or
CELEBRATE HAVING THE GREATEST FOOTBALL MIND IN THE US?
i'm back bitches.....................deal with it.
by blackbeard on Nov 30, 2011 7:44 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
Great point
I’m over it. Thanks man. I needed that. Mike Leach is the greatest coaching hire by WSU EVER.
You want to talk about a road trip....
Hold my beer…I have to get the cruise control activated on this damn thing. I’m thinking a Prius might not cancel our man card for a trip this far.
Hell, I'll bring my pickup.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
Geez, guys
I’m a teetotaler so I’ll drive us up – but any pictures I may take along the way are fair game for blackmail…just so you know the rules up front!
Can't we just agree that the truly elite teams have to do both very well?
by Jeff Nusser on Nov 30, 2011 10:53 PM PST up reply actions
Oh, and that there aren't very many truly elite teams every year?
So if you’re a fan of the other 95% of teams, you’re probably going to be dealing with a team that’s not great at one or the other most of the time?
by Jeff Nusser on Nov 30, 2011 10:54 PM PST up reply actions
Okay, so what about Auburn?
Nice that you forget them too.
You also forget that OSU – Florida’s opponent in 2006- had a higher rated defense than Florida did. Also, Oklahoma had a higher rated defense in 2008. So…sorry, what was your argument again?
Also, isn’t it your argument that defense wins championships, yet the best rated defense (Alabama) lost to the next rated defense (LSU) at home? Not quite sure how that follows your reasoning. So defense wins championships, except when it doesn’t, in which case it loses but it’s still better?
And that doesn’t explain Texas, USC or Miami from the last years.
You can believe this all you want, jeremyb91, but there isn’t a lot of good evidence backing you up on this. LSU beat Oregon this year primarily because of special teams, not defense. 2 turnovers on special teams + massive field position. LSU beat Oregon, and it was a very good win for them – but let’s give credit where it’s due.
Fire Mike Riley?
I don’t think so. That is crazy talk.
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
Leach will make a lot of teams look like that can't play good defense.
"Nothing can bring you peace but the triumph of principles." ~ RW Emerson
by raider realist on Nov 30, 2011 4:33 PM PST up reply actions
You probably haven't read all the comments today
but word is he is studying defense more. He constantly wants to learn and now he understands that is also important. He has been spending time with Rex Ryan. He has been at his last two training camps. This sounds great.
CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
Ultimately it doesn't matter
The notion that ‘you have to play good defense in the Pac-10 to succeed’ is at best disingenuous and at worst a baldfaced lie. You can simply win by outscoring everyone and making the other team submit to your will. Oregon’s defense has played better than their rankings might indicate but they’re still not worldbeaters and don’t need to be; they just need to be good at playing with a lead.
Same goes for Leach.
I think Leach’s tempo and drive will make the defense better regardless of the dcoord he ends up hiring, but ultimately it won’t matter, at least not until they start competing with the real big players every single year. Until then, it’s enough to play hard every play and have the offense score like it was tecmo bowl.
I couldn't agree with you more...
Also when you’re not constantly going 3 and out that in it self helps the defense succeed. Which I think Mike will bring with his offense.
I agree with you both,
I am already thinking ahead to bowl games where we might need a defense depending on who we will play.
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
You don't have to play good defense in any conference
to challenge for a national title.
Exhibit A: Oklahoma State
11/12/11...66-6...I once was blind, but now I see.
by Tech92 on Nov 30, 2011 6:46 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
The key to winning football games is
score more than the team you are playing…….yes, it’s really that simple.
i'm back bitches.....................deal with it.
I liked your comment
I hadn’t read that about Leach. That’s very interesting. A good defense is very important and if Leach creates a bad ass offense with a good defense then WSU will win a lot of games.
defense? DEFENSE!!!!???
Mike Leach doesn’t need no stinking defense!
trust me as a Texas Tech alumni…..I saw for 10 years, he just outscores everybody.
Leach's offense, when it get humming, puts so much
pressure on the opposing offense to produce that it often was able to pull away with ease. It wasn’t uncommon for the offense to score on 66% to 75% of possessions. So just to keep even his opponents would to do the same. Even if you don’t have the best defense, which other offense can match execution like that?
That is part of the genius of Leach.
by Arizona Raider on Nov 30, 2011 6:56 PM PST up reply actions
How many until the spring game?
Only prison will keep me away this year.
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 4:28 PM PST up reply actions
I don't think the date will be set until Leach gets here and assembles a staff.
"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."
I am leaving all of April open
I’ll on a Tuesday if I have to
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 4:37 PM PST up reply actions
I'm leaving everything open from leap day forward.
"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."
by kelly20210 on Nov 30, 2011 4:41 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
better not violate your probation
hahahah, couldn’t resist….
I'm hoping it's in Spokane again.
With the Stadium construction I think it will have to be.
Sometimes I act irrationally.
Current players
Anyword from the current players on how they feel? I’m sure it’s bitter sweet.
Defensive Coordinator candidates?
Maybe Boise DC/Defensive Line Coach Pete Kwiatowski
"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."
Or current BSU LB's coach and WSU alum Bob Gregory.
"If you want your dreams to come true, don't sleep in."
Holt must have grown up an Andre Agassi fan
Image is everything
Idaho's Akey
We’ll have an Army of Pirates!!!
I echo my statement from a few days ago that I wouldn't mind seeing Payam Sadaat
as a LBs coach or DC. Leaning more towards ’backers than full fledged DC
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 5:40 PM PST up reply actions
Congrats!
Not only did you guys get Leach, you have inherited inherited massive fan base on the east coase – as most Maryland fans will be assuming Wazzu as their college football team to root for.
We will do our best to learn your traditions, and look forward to Leach mopping up the rest of the Pac-12.
by stlterp on Nov 30, 2011 4:33 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Perfect for me
As I was already a Coug and Terp fan.
I miss *REAL* Four Loko
by B-Lot tailgater on Nov 30, 2011 4:38 PM PST up reply actions
Recruiting?
Hey Jeff, Brian, Kyle, and others, what’s your opinion on the current recruits? Do we see some of the lower end recruits lose their commitment and see an uptick in some better recruits? Austin Apodoca says he’s still good and has always wanted to play in that offense. I’m sure everyone committed is probably more inclined to stay?
about the recruits
I fully expect the recruit list to get a going over. There are kids (including ours) who have gone soft verbal in the last few weeks anticipating coaching turnover. I think any new coach owes it to a verbal to be honest if he doesn’t think the guy is going to see playing time. After all, the player doesn’t want to spend his career sitting on the bench, and the coach doesn’t want that to happen either. So some will drop off, and some will get added on. Personally, I’m tired of the 5’6", 148 lb RBs (yeah I know that’s an exaggeration, but you get my point). This is the P12 and its big boy football. We’ve had a huge announcement. Are some kids going to be a lot more anxious to come play for the cougs? D right they will be!
I dont know a whole lot about the AIR RAID Offense
but I imagine most the RBs decommit, but I could be wrong
Im sure Kyle will post something about what this means for recruiting and what kind of players we need for each position
From what I remember, Leach always had the small, quick backs at TTU.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 5:15 PM PST up reply actions
well then our crop of RBs
are perfect for him
I remember him also
have a couple big backs to go with the little quick back. This new RB commit Brathwaite could be perfect for the offense.
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
Baron Batch of the Steelers is 5'10" 210 lbs from Texas Tech
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
They'll need to learn how to pick up stunts and blitzes
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
At least we all got nuts.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 7:35 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Pretty much.
The funny thing is, I’ve been campaigning for a bigger ‘back. Now we’re going to get an influx of scat backs instead.
Oh well, Rickey clones are ok with me.
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 5:45 PM PST up reply actions
From what I'm hearing
Paul Wulff and Mike Leach go after the same people. Maybe we lose some commits, but they’ll be replaced with more or less the same level of commit.
I'm in the midst of going over Leach's recruiting classes at Tech to try and get a feel for his recruiting style.
I think some of the NR guys no one else offered or looked like would get offers might be bumped off the list, but it’s pretty late in the game, to be honest. I don’t expect Leach to lose a lot of guys or to go after a bunch of new ones. Guys like the JC RB we just got might not make it to campus now, but at this point, it’s all speculation.
What I can say, is now we can re-open our recruitment of Bothell WR Trent Sewell. I love love love him, and think he’s the best WR in the state. He currently only has an offer from Wyoming, but we pulled our offer from him because we had too many WRs (which was dumb, but whatever). UCLA was also really high on him. Basically, with almost a full class, I don’t see a ton changing.
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 5:44 PM PST up reply actions
I want him to keep Dotson
That’s my biggest concern, honestly. When asked to comment on his commitment after Wulff was fired, he said “no comment.”
I have a legit source that told me Dotson would stay put no matter what.
I’ll have to check back with him, because we talked earlier this year. But I agree. Dotson is in my Top 5, and one of the best kids we have. I’d expect Leach to give him the full court press.
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 6:21 PM PST up reply actions
Here are some names for you....
to give you an insight into ML recruits/coaching.
Wes Welker…..nobody but Tech offered him a scholly.
Michael Crabtree…played QB in high school..came to Tech as a QB realized he would never play at Tech behind Harrell, Potts, etc…. Leach converted him to receiver..he scored 93 touchdowns in 2 years.
Kickers? He gave Mike Williams a scholly after the kid came out of the stands and kicked a rent winning half time kicking contest. 2 years kicking at Tech?…he never missed.
the list goes on and on..ML makes evrybody winners…..We at Tech are very jealous!
You guys are in for the best years of WAZZOU fooball EVER…Congrats!
Just so you know...
It’s Wazzu.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 7:36 PM PST up reply actions
we're new around here
But we’re quick learners, well mostly.
"I’ve established a reputation for integrity. I have maintained those high standards" - Craig James
To be honest
I was never counting on him actually coming.
by Kyle Rancourt on Dec 1, 2011 3:04 PM PST up reply actions
Give you a quick tip to recruiting style.
He is an outstanding evaluator of talent and a darn good developer of it. Example: Michael Crabtree was a two star recruit. Wes Welker received zero D-1 offers until Leach saw his highlight tape. He knows exactly what he is looking for then he secures it.
He will recruit guys with excellent work ethic, a good head on their shoulders, and good students. He doesn’t suffer fools lightly. See him giving Adam James a piece of his mind for loafing in a practice on You Tube. If there is a guy with outstanding talent and doesn’t have a good head on his shoulders, he passes.
by Arizona Raider on Nov 30, 2011 7:04 PM PST up reply actions
I look forward to your article
It will be interesting what information your able to find about these recruits. I hope we keep some of them obviously, especially some of the guys in the trenches.
Love this hire and still can't believe it's true.
Looking forward to the photo-shopping that will take place this year.
AAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
by luciuswolfey_96 on Nov 30, 2011 4:38 PM PST reply actions
Grippi tweet:
“Moos met with Leach in mid Nov. in Key West.”
I bet this make our playbook
one of the most popular in next years NCAA!
WSU presser next Tuesday at noon.
Will we be streamin and threadin?!
CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
$1.8 mill for Leach to spend on assistants
I honestly don’t know how that compares to the rest of the conference, but it seems very good.
Realistically
That means O and D C’s will be making about as much as PW, maybe a little less. Not bad
It's quite reasonable
It’s not quite the ludicrous salary of USC or the stupid payment to Holt, but it’s right inline with Oregon and Stanford, IIRC.
Certainly should be able to get good if not insane people. And that should be fine.
Hopefully these assistants realize
it cost WAY less to live in pullman than most everywhere else in the pac 12
be pretty much millionaires of pullman
I wonder what he will do with that extra money?
If My Life Is Great, Why Am I Not Happy?
by well you win some and lose others on Nov 30, 2011 4:55 PM PST up reply actions
Will he buy the stadium naming rights? What will he do?
If My Life Is Great, Why Am I Not Happy?
by well you win some and lose others on Nov 30, 2011 4:56 PM PST up reply actions
Buy a pirate ship for the stadium like the bucs have down in tampa
I picture him living in there too
Victory beer tonight
I normally save these for Pac-12 or FBS non-league wins … which means I’ve had a six-pack the last four years
I had a Sierra Nevada Celebration Ale.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 4:52 PM PST up reply actions
Time for us to open our wallets
Join me and donate today at: http://bit.ly
Congratulations
I have long believed that Leach would be a good fit in the Pac-12. The record says he did, too. (I believe he got in trouble at Tech for flying out to Seattle a few years back to interview.)
I felt that Arizona and ASU both missed out big time when they didn’t hire the Pirate.
Should be some fun times at your games in the next few years. I might even have to drive down from Victoria to see one.
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Nov 30, 2011 4:58 PM PST reply actions
Thank God I dont have to face him in Champaign or Happy Valley
I do miss RichRod at Michigan….
Have fun with the mad pirate, oh and FUCK CRAIG JAMES! (who hasnt denied that he didnt kill 5 hookers at smu)
by LincolnParkWildcat on Nov 30, 2011 5:01 PM PST reply actions 1 recs
Oh, and one more thing
This expands the nation of Craig James haters, which is a good thing. I hated the smug SOB long before what he did to Leach. Or to the 5 hookers. (Alllegedly)
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Nov 30, 2011 5:03 PM PST reply actions
Don't worry, we already hated Craig James plenty.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 5:16 PM PST up reply actions
Good
Hating Craig James is a sure sign of good taste and common sense.
Someone asked on EDSBS one day why everybody seemed to hate Craig James. I assumed that person had never had the “pleasure” of listening to him on ESPN.
.
by Longhorn in Canada on Nov 30, 2011 5:29 PM PST up reply actions
Seriously
When I started coming to CougCenter I didn’t even know Craig James. Now when I see him I think of all the things I’ve heard about him from CougCenter.
I feel like we've done our job then.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 6:16 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
You, Mr. Powers,
have a brilliant mind with a great capacity for sniffing out character, or lack thereof, in people. I can just tell.
congratulations again
from a tech fan, you couldn’t have hired a better coach. (P.S. If you have any interest in tommy tuberville, we’ll gladly trade you!)
Coug faithful...
Holy sh*t we just witnessed history today. Bill Moos just blew a wad and went out and got a coach who sh+ts wins, bowl games, and is a pirate. The school just sent me this letter about donors (4,500) and how much we give (like 3 million/yr.) Compared to Utah, which must be second worst in Pac 12. They had 500 more donors and 8 million/yr. Time to open wallets.
Haven't checked next year's schedule
but if the Cougs come to Salt Lake City to play the Utes, I’m gonna be in the stands to see our former Coach! I’m very happy for him and wish you guys the absolute best!
From a Husky fan:
When I heard Mike Leach was headed to Pullman I gave WSU the highest complement a Husky fan can give the Cougs: AH SH _ _!!!
"Winning isn't everything, it's the only thing."
"Legends are made on the shores of Lake Washington"
by Lear Pilot on Nov 30, 2011 5:41 PM PST reply actions 2 recs
Nick Holt's reaction to today's news.
I won’t put what he said because this is a family site, but I believe it starts with S and end in with a T.
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
This guy must have the highest belly button ever.
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
by SoCalCoug on Nov 30, 2011 5:45 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Anyone else notice the lack of D?
by Kyle Rancourt on Nov 30, 2011 6:03 PM PST up reply actions 4 recs
HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 6:17 PM PST up reply actions
I was wondering when someone would pick up on that.
Mike Leach invented Swag | CougCenter member since 9/2/2008
Hey Nicky,
#CougHarmonyOnTwitter #teamnopants
by TiltingRight on Nov 30, 2011 6:26 PM PST up reply actions 1 recs
You should be terrified
THEY TOOK DOWN A DEATH STAR WITH STICKS!
What a great day
WSU hires Mike Leach and a former UW football player makes the National News for being a murdering gangster.
Sometimes I act irrationally.
I'm wouldn't classify that last part as "great."
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 6:17 PM PST up reply actions
Little bit of humor from AtQ
Transcript: Chip Kelly and Mike Leach shake hands before the 2012 football game:
Chip: Hey Mike, welcome to the Pac-12, glad to have you.
Mike: Thanks Chip, so, I don’t know much about this Pac-12 football, what kind of system do you use?
Chip: Well, we spread the defense out and then we run inside and out with our running ba-
Mike: What?
Chip: We run the zone read inside, out, and-
Mike: I don’t get it.
Chip: Well, we have a read on the defensive line and then our running back or quarterback takes the ball and runs through the open space.
Mike: What’s this ‘run’ stuff everyone keeps talking about? Is it a west coast thing?
Chip: Uh, yeah Mike, you probably never saw it in the Big Threeve, or whatever your conference was. So, what system do you run?
Mike: What system do I what?
Chip: What’s your offense?
Mike: Oh, that! Yeah, see I recruit these kids who catch the ball, so I send them all over the field and-
Chip: Wait, you recruit what?
Mike: Receivers. Guys who catch the football with their hands.
Chip: Hold on a sec, I need to write this down. Do they use both hands, or just one?
Mike: Both, usually, but sometimes they only need one.
Chip: My mind. Is. Blown. Hey, Murphy, yeah, Will, get over here, you’ve GOT to hear this!
15-yard penalty for my avatar. /Pereira'd
by Brass-billed on Nov 30, 2011 7:05 PM PST reply actions 10 recs
Amazing.
CougCenter In Reid We Trust, Twitter!
by Craig Powers on Nov 30, 2011 7:37 PM PST up reply actions
Another Raider
Congrats to all WSU fans. You’ll have more fun and pride than ever. Mike is a great coach. Be sure to read his book and if anyone doubts his “baggage” read Double T Double Cross. It will help you understand why we are so upset with our school and so envious of WSU. This is from a family of 8 Tech grads. Go Mike!!! Go Cougars!!!
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Community Guidelines
Related FanShots on CougCenter
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
