Leach contract rolls over; Grinch, Salave'a sign multi-year deals

Following the Washington State Cougars' win over the Miami Hurricanes in the Hyundai Sun Bowl, Mike Leach's contract was rolled over through the 2020 season, Washington State director of athletics Bill Moos announced Tuesday.

Defensive coordinator Alex Grinch and assistant head coach/defensive line coach Joe Salave'a signed multi-year contracts to remain on staff. Previously, Washington State assistants under Leach have worked on one-year deals.

Update: Cougfan.com, citing a source, reports that Grinch's extension will run through June 2018 while Salave'a's contract runs through June of 2017. Essentially a three-year deal for Grinch; two years for Salave'a.

"Mike Leach and his entire staff have done a tremendous job in building our football program, and the goal is to keep moving forward," said Moos. "Cougar football has returned to the upper echelon of collegiate football where it most deservedly belongs. I believe I speak for all Cougar fans when I say we want Mike Leach leading our football program for many years to come."

Leach, who received a $500,000 raise to $2.75 million with his rollover extension last season, will likely see another bump in salary after the Cougars' 9-4 season and first bowl game win since 2003. Grinch and Salave'a, working on one-year deals worth $425,000 and $325,000 this season, respectively, are expected to receive raises, as well.

Grinch was wildly successful in his debut season on the Palouse. The infectious, energetic first-year defensive coordinator preached takeaways leading into the season and his defense responded, tripling its takeaway total from last season to 24 and slashing their points per game against by 11 (27.7). Grinch also led a secondary that allowed just 223 yards per game through their air and only 13 touchdown passes through 13 games.

Salave'a continued to prove that he's one of the nation's best defensive line coaches this season, leading the Cougars' defensive front to a No. 8 national ranking in tackles for loss per game (7.8) and No. 30 in sacks per game (2.54).

All in all, an already great offseason got a little better today as Leach secured two integral parts of his staff for the foreseeable future. Next season can't get here soon enough.