Report: Mike Leach discussed as candidate for Big 12 job

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach has been mentioned in conversations about Texas Tech’s open position, according to Don Williams of the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. Leach, known for his air raid offense, coached at Texas Tech from 2000-2009.

Texas Tech fired former head coach Matt Wells last month after accumulating a 13-17 record over three seasons. Williams’ source, who has knowledge of the coaching search, maintains that Leach is “discussed seriously” by university leaders. Leach’s history with the program predates athletic director Kirby Hocutt and President Lawrence Schovanec, but they maintain interest.

Leach went 84-43 in 10 seasons at Texas Tech. In his second season at Mississippi State, the Bulldogs are 5-3 and landed inside the College Football Playoff rankings top 25. Two wins over Texas A&M and Kentucky over recent weeks have built confidence in Mississippi State’s progress.

The new link makes little sense for Leach given the positive direction. One of Williams’ sources, who speaks regularly with Leach, is skeptical of the reunion.

Williams was able to acquire details from a conversation between his source and Leach, who discussed the Texas Tech link.

“He said, ‘I wouldn’t talk to them. They still owe me from 2009,’” The source told the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal. “And so I wonder if (Tech) might approach him, but he’s not interested until he gets paid. He wouldn’t even think about coming back until they paid him what they owed him for 2009.

“And I think he’s pretty happy there. He’s got a wonderful house. He bought a nice house on a private lake with a dock, and it’s not very far from the campus, and since he’s had two good wins, he’s probably pretty satisfied there.

“I think (Tech) would have to pay him up front before he’d even talk to them, truthfully.”

Mike Leach at Texas Tech

After a 10-year tenure, Texas Tech fired Mike Leach in December 2009. He faced allegation of mishandling Adam James after the Red Raiders tight end was diagnosed with a concussion. Leach later sued the school, claiming he was owed money for that season. Texas Tech officials state that Leach was paid to the point he allegedly breached his contract.

Given the rocky ending, the link between Mike Leach and Texas Tech’s vacant position seems odd. However, Williams provides prospective on the weird, lingering relationship with Lubbock, Texas.

“The former Tech coach’s name always comes up when the Red Raiders are looking for a coach — it will five years after he’s retired, you watch — and so it has again,” wrote Williams.