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Good morning Coug fans. We expected last night to hear Mike Leach's comments on his supposed intention to leave Washington State and head to Tennessee after the first Holiday Bowl practice, but that darn fog got in the way.
Leach and other assistants had to head back to Seattle due to fog preventing their flight from landing at Pullman Regional Airport. They'd been recruiting up until Friday night.
That's a bummer, because while Mike Leach is still WSU's head coach, it'd be nice to have him at least address the last seven days in some form, predictable or not. Leach was also expected to meet with Isaiah Johnson-Mack on Friday to discuss the sophomore's departure, but that meeting will presumably take place today at the earliest.
But there is—reportedly—a big meeting today involving Leach. It's with WSU President Kirk Schulz to discuss an extension for the head Coug.
As you might recall, Leach was offered a contract extension prior to his flirtation with Tennessee:
Leach updates:
— Kyle Bonagura (@BonaguraESPN) December 1, 2017
1) WSU offered Leach an extension and raise before UT entered picture
2) If Leach goes, the athletic department will make Alex Grinch the primary target
3) Leach has grown frustrated by the lack of communication about the AD search processhttps://t.co/5KD7JnLqnd
As I wondered last week, things could be awkward between WSU and Leach, given his intention to leave. But this is a business—for better or for worse—and we can only hope discussions are had from a strictly-business mindset. Schulz told The Seattle Times' Stefanie Loh that talks have been "collaborative and collegial."
Will we see an extension soon? The assumption is yes, because....where else would Leach go?
Also, Schulz told Loh that former Tennessee Athletic Director John Currie—the same guy who supposedly convinced Mike Leach to come to Tennessee—is not a candidate for the WSU AD job:
“John is not a candidate and would not be an appropriate hire for us at this time,” Schulz said Friday. “John’s got to resolve his issues with Tennessee and is in the middle of a legal battle. We have other terrific candidates who have expressed strong interest.”
And if you're worried Defensive Coordinator Alex Grinch will bolt? Cross Missouri off your list:
Missouri promotes co-DC/secondary coach Ryan Walters to full-time DC.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) December 9, 2017
There are less than three weeks until the Holiday Bowl. With all that's taken place (and not taken place) in the past ten days, who knows what will happen in three weeks—or more.
Links
WSU President Kirk Schulz addresses Mike Leach’s future and the Cougars’ athletic director search | The Seattle Times
As the college football coaching carousel slows, WSU president Kirk Schulz says he'll be meeting with Cougars' football coach Mike Leach on Saturday. Schulz also provided an update on the WSU athletic director search, and the candidacy of John Currie
Cougs hit the field to being bowl game practices | KREM.com
What's up with this headline?
Washington State coach Mike Leach, assistants absent from first bowl practice due to travel issues | The Spokesman-Review
Mike Leach may have had an overhead view of Washington State’s first Holiday Bowl practice, but the Cougars’ boss never actually made it to Martin Stadium on Friday evening because a heavy layer of fog prevented his flight from landing at Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport.
Video: Washington State running back Jamal Morrow post practice Dec. 8 | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State running back Jamal Morrow talks about returning to practice and getting ready to play in the Holiday Bowl.
Video: Washington State offensive lineman Cody O’Connell post practice Dec. 8 | The Spokesman-Review
Cougars left guard Cody O’Connell talks about being named an All-American for the second straight year and preparing for the Holiday Bowl.
Video: Washington State defensive line coach Jeff Phelps post practice Dec. 8 | The Spokesman-Review
Cougars defensive line coach Jeff Phelps talks about the Holiday Bowl, Hercules Mata’afa’s targeting ejection and the Mike Leach rumors.
Video: Washington State quarterback Luke Falk post practice Dec. 8 | The Spokesman-Review
Cougars quarterback Luke Falk talks about preparing for the Holiday Bowl, the Mike Leach rumors and winning the Burlsworth Trophy.
Video: Washington State defensive tackle Hercules Mata’afa post practice Dec. 8 | The Spokesman-Review
Washington State defensive tackle Hercules Mata’afa talks about being named All-American and reflects on the targeting call that led to his ejection in the Apple Cup.