Leach status
by Tech92 on Jan 20, 2009 9:04 AM CST
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PrintWell, most of us have stayed pretty quiet about the current and ongoing Leach contract issue. We all had a chance to speak our opinion and it seems to me that about a month ago it was roughly 70-30 in support of the coach. (full disclosure, I waver on this from day to day...though there are now fewer days in a row I support Leach's stance)
I have spoken to some folks in Lubbock over the last few days and that was the ratio in December as well, if not even higher (70-30 pro Leach). However, it appears, at least according to the few people I spoke to, that the tide has really swung the other way in the last few weeks as this has drawn out.
Whether he realizes or even cares that there may be a growing sense in and around Lubbock that he is using up his support chips rather quickly is not a concern of mine. What I am curious about is if any fellow DTNers in West Texas hear the same things I was told. I only spoke to three people (family), one very well connected, who insist that they think the majority of Tech people (and boosters) in Lubbock are now on the side of the administration in this. The word they tell me is the masses and boosters do think the offer is competitive compared to results (Hance wanted to reward performance, not potential) and they feel the health of the entire university and athletic department can't be mortgaged for one coach. There is rumor that the hold up is that Tech refuses to raise the offer one nickel (it was basically a sign or don't sign offer, financially) and Leach's agent's don't negotiate that way. I'm not sure if that's true - obviously.
If anyone listens to sports talk radio out in Lubbock, what is the mood of the callers? I'd be interested in hearing if others hear what I hear or if my sample is just too small to form an opinion.
This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of Double-T Nation's writers or editors. It does reflect the views of this particular fan though, which is as important as the views of Double-T Nation's writers or editors.
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where is this?
In Lubbock? Hopefully that’s the mood of Leach and Hance/Meyers, too. My best bet is he settles for what he is offered and signs…not that even if he got the moon that would stop him from looking or leaving later anyway. So does it really hurt to not sign? From his perspective, I think not signing this particular offer is possibly a good idea. It’s a calculated risk, obviously. But if he doesn’t sign this one, he may have even more leverage in the coming two years (and Tech may have more $$$ to offer) – or no leverage at all.
I am in Austin
so I cannot contact anyone close to this situation. However, my feeling is similar to what you are seeing there. I really like what Mike Leach has done for the football program’s offensive side of the ball, and he is on the verge of increasing the defensive capabilities, too. It is vital to the continued rise of this program to the next tier-continually vying for the conference championship-for this deal to be finalized. If Leach leaves, we are looking at another five or six years of mediocrity before it starts to move upward again. With him in the fold, however, for an additional three years, we can continue to see high levels of performance, even on a national level. With him, we have arrived. Without him, we simply take a couple of steps backwards. Pray that an agreement is made and he signs. Personally, I think it is in his best interests, as well as Tech’s, for him to make a lifetime commitment to this program. He has a chance to cement his legacy as one of the greatest coaches in college football history. But, if he does not commit to Tech and leaves for another school, he may never achieve that level of recognition, because he will have to start all over again, no matter where he would wind up. For him, for Tech, and for football, I hope he realizes this and stays at Tech for a long time.
TTpilk
Amen to that
I completely agree. I have been a long time season ticket holder from Dallas who makes the journey for home games in Lubbock and I can’t say I would do the same under a new coaching staff. Simply put, Leach has built a unique offense that makes Tech a contender which we have never been in the past. I liked Spike and had a lot of respect for him but the 6-5 seasons where as good as we were going to get under his guard. If we lose Leach we will lose the spot light and our ability to compete with UT and OK unless Tech were to hire another high profile coach which we obviously can’t afford. I do question Leach’s loyalty and motivation moving forward even if he does sign. I really want him as our coach but does he really want to be our coach? A legacy position would be great if we could lock that in but who knows where his heart is right now.
I live in Austin as y'all know....
Most horn fans here think it would be best for Tech if Leach stays. While I agree, I am with kayakyakr in saying let’s get this done and move on. It’s going on long enuf for sure.
Go Tech!!!
Do you want to know why Mike Leach hasn't signed his contract extension?
Ask Dana Holgorsen.
Wes Welker can't be stopped.
It hurts man...
It hurts because it’s hard to know how long this is going to go on at this point. Next year at this time, if he hasn’t signed, recruiting will be hurting real bad! That is what bothers me.
Seeing him take the program to the national stage and watching it tumble like a house of cards would be a nightmare. Even worse than watching the Oklahoma game this year. Cause if Leach goes, I do believe we will be starting over from scratch. It would be at least three or four years, probably much longer to be back in the top five.
But if he signs tommorrow, it’s all forgotten by spring practice or maybe even signing day(in my book).
Chill............
The Great Captain has time on his existing contract………..we will be fine…….he will lead us with another victory over the evil empire in Austin and again in Lubbock over Mobile-homa.
Rant
I don’t want to rant, and I love Leach. They guy is just getting under my skin right now. He was in Houston for the Bear Bryant award and one of the Houston News channels asked him about his contract and he was like “I hope they are working on it right now”, when asked if he was going to leave he just said it all depended on Tech. Now I love Leach, and what he has done for the program, but my main gripe is that he has had one 10+ win season. I know we haven’t had alot at Tech, but even Fran beat Texas two years in a row. If Leach is just going to beat them in Lubbock once every five years or beat Oklahoma every other year in Lubbock, then doesn’t it seem that he is getting big headed. I know we don’t have the 5 star tallent that OU and UT get, but if you are going to get on their level you have to beat them year in and year out. Just my rant, and I really hope he signs this contract and gets it over with, and yes I know the assistants need more $$$$
I would agree some of the assistants need more $.
There are still some areas of improvement that need to be made to this coaching staff. We all love Leach but lets look at those assistants carefully. Without naming them outright I would say special teams coaching is marginal along with defensive backs and linebackers. The jury is still out on Ruffin but I’m in his support for now.
I agree with you on the coaching except for DB’s. We haven’t had the best tallent back there, so what Manard (sp?) has done is pretty good. Wall is good, but goes for the pick too many times and gets frustrated when he gets beat. We actually have some really good db cb recruits comming in this year. So I would give him time. The linebackers are good at times, but still need to work on tackles. I wish Ruff was like Jimmy Johnson in that the Defense went pads everyday and hit everyday. That is why when he was at Miami they had one of the best defenses in college football. Sure they had the tallent, but if you are willing to lay a hit on someone sometimes tallent doesn’t matter. If you watch SEC teams they don’t always have the best tallent on defense but all the guys on their defense will lay you out, and for the most part are sure tacklers. That is why I wish we could get some young SEC blood in here at Tech to boost our D.
Very True
Our defense is going to be the problem in ‘09 which everybody knows. At LB I like Brian Duncan but he need to be developed into a Z. Thomas type of player of the Spike Dykes era. He has good size and speed. The DB’s are where I really hope some improvements can be made. Pass coverage sucks and YAC have been a problem. Tech definately needs to be more physical and I think Leach may have finally realized that after the OU train wreck. I like the idea of recruiting speed over size in the secondary. Plenty of Db’s in the NFL lack size but make up for it in speed. Lastly, lets get someone who can return kick offs and punts. We did not fair well with that this season.
Misconception
I think one big misconception is that if Leach signs the extension, he’ll be at Tech long(er) term. I really think he’s already been here for what these days is considered “long term.”
My guess is that the way this has dragged out bothers Leach as much as it bothers the fans. He’s probably not at all a fan of Meyers and the administration at this point, if he ever really was. I’d bet Leach is probably more inclined than ever to leave town – if he ever gets an offer elsewhere, which at this point seems like a 50-50 proposition at best. If nobody wanted him after an historic 11-2 season, I’m not sure they ever would. Lubbock may be his best (uhh, only) alternative for quite some time.
True
Leach’s stock is way down since the OK and Cotton Bowl loss. I personally am tired of talking about his contract and how long he plans on being here. I think if Tech continues to build the program up such as stadium expansion and facilities the right coach will come and win at Tech. I’m not saying Leach isn’t that guy but who knows. I would expect a 2-3 year decline after he leaves if that’s is the case. It would be hard for a new coach to throw out the play book and introduce another quickly enough. I feel good that Tech can at least compete with OU and UT with what we have on the field right now. Next season will really prove how good of a coach captain Leach really is. It’s one thing to coach when your loaded with talent but another when your not. The better coaches can win games even when rebuilding. I would be happy if he gets us to 8-4 or better. Nothing less than that is satisfactory IMO.
Leach
First let me say I want Leach to stay! I think his style ultimately fits Tech and it really is hard to imagine what has taken place since he has been here. I would have loved to have had this contract settled before the season started and let it really just go under the radar. However, I think it has “blown up” on both Leach and Myers. I said this all along and that is that he still has 2 years on this contract and with about 5-6 Mil. setting on the table. I also think his leaving before the 2 years is really more 70-30 staying. All this publicity has worked in Tech’s favor as people see that he is really kind of odd and he doesn’t play the glad handing game well at all, so he is limited and in fact I don’t think any ‘Rock Star" programs will take a chance on him. So bottom line is that I believe that he will be at Tech for aleast the next 2 years and more than likely the next 5 as he will eventually sign an extension. Our recruiting is goin up, the Stadium is going up, now we just need more and more Defense and I think he finally sees that!!!! Wreck’em Tech Keep Leach
Did anyone ever think.....
Leach may just not care. When someone is quirky and marches to the beat of his own drum coupled with the fact he is financially secure? He may just not give a rip. You get to the point where you just don’t have to suffer fools anymore. He’s the kind of dude I could see letting his K expire and spend a year in Prague finding his chi.
I think it’s a mistake to analyze him through the lens of the typical American middle class man. Most men WOULD worry about the security of a pay check. But, think back to what it was like when you were a kid in re responsibility and finances. None right? That’s what it’s like having dough on the bank as an adult.
If he doesn’t sign, he’s still owed 2 years. Either way he’s in great position. I think Briles would recruit better and I’m about as apathetic as possible at this point,if there are degrees of apathy.
Conceded
But I’m convinced he’s OUR Roy Williams sans the championships (insert any prodigal son). You know, a guy who WANTS to be at Tech. Maybe just wishful thinking, but so sick of Leach flirting. I’m also convinced he can recruit.
As a Texas Tech supporter first,and now a Leach fan second, I hope Tech takes the offensive side [no pun] of this debacle. They need to be looking right now for a replacement ,in case this event t is going on this time next fall. I hope he stays,but under the circumstances,and looking out for Tech’s best interest, I would make the first move,IF,IF the right coach came up for the job. Reverse this hostage situation,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,If he still does not want to commit, hire the new coach,and lets move on.
I don’t think Leach has the negotiating power at this point to hold anyone hostage. I think what has become clear at the end of this season is that although Leach may have a high interest in other openings, the feeling doesn’t appear to be all that mutual. He has no other coaching options, so as any good negotiator would do Tech isn’t being flexible (in my opinion). And this has old Leach and his agents all in a tizzy. I have no issue at all with that. I also am of the thought that Hance/Meyers do have a list of candidates on speed dial should things go south either now or next fall – no matter how this extension business plays out. Meyers doesn’t like Leach any more than Leach likes Meyers, so this won’t be a 20 year marriage with both of them at Tech.
I like Leach enough to hope he stays (only for continuity’s sake). But really, if this is a life-event for him and he chooses to either leave or not sign the extension (which in essence is saying he’s leaving as soon as he can – nobody refuses an extension), Tech will be just fine. We have earned a reputation and it’s not all on Leach. We can’t give him ALL the credit fo the success of the team. A good chunk, yes. But all? Not a chance.
I promise you if Leach left, Meyers/Hance would find a good coach and probably pay him more than they are willing to pay Mike. That’s normally how it works. Those two guys realize the emotional capital Leach burned up at the end of this season with the performances and with his drifting eye.
Many good points.
I still would rather have Leach, but at some point, think about that chick in high school who kept leading you along. At some point most dudes realize…yeah, she’s pretty hot, but there are lots of equally hot babes who actually WANT to be with you. AND there are other chicas who understand that you can’t afford to take them to the Olive Garden or Red Lobster before every movie (that was the Plano Jeff date package back in the late eighties. I had to drive the hour to Abilene because we had no movies nor restaurants). Seriously, if I have to spring for Steak and Ale every date, I’m expecting to “score” EVERY date….not just most, and I’m expecting a better track record of happy endings than 60 to 70% if she wants me to take her all the way to Ft. Worth to a $50 steak house.
Simply put, you want Mac and Bob money, beat both in the same season. I’ll take a loan out so we can go to Benihana. Otherwise, I’ll take the babe who likes me for me to the prom. What would all my classmates think of me if I kept chasing after the hotty who just used me to try to get with my freinds?
by Plano Jeff on Jan 23, 2009 10:54 PM CST up reply actions 1 recs
Well I was fishing in a VERY small pond
So it’s all relative. Graduating class of 29. My standards changed dramatically when I matriculated at Tech.
Don't count on.....
Getting Briles at the drop of a hat. He is a pretty honorable guy and even for his Alma Mater, he might not break a contract that quickly. And in the end, we would end up having to pay him the money we should just give to Leach…..except I place some facet in the contract that would make it painful for the school that buys him out.
Has Gerald been retired yet? I will chip in for the gold watch.
by oldschoolraider on Jan 24, 2009 6:28 PM CST reply actions
That would be sweet!
You think he’d get the joke if we sent him an engraved Timex? No Rolex or Tag, we aren’t UT.
Don't you think a Swatch......
Really says, Thanks for all the crazy years…..now please retire.
I’m in.
by oldschoolraider on Jan 25, 2009 10:52 AM CST up reply actions
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