Story Published: Dec 1, 2011 at 8:47 PM PDT
Story Updated: Dec 1, 2011 at 8:47 PM PDT
Mike Leach.
WSU athletic director Bill Moos made his desire to see the Cougs become competitors at the national level at his Monday press conference. He reiterated that same point when speaking about his decision to hire leach on Tuesday.
“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.”
Texas Tech had a winning season (10) every year Leach was there, strong graduation rates for his players and eight of his 10 seasons a Red Raider quarterback led the nation in passing. The list could really go in regard to the impact Leach had at Texas Tech. He seems to know a thing or two about winning, and many believe he is an ideal fit at Wazzu.
“I have always admired the tradition of Washington State," Leach said. "It’s a university on the move that is experiencing growth. I’m excited about what they are doing with the facilities and it’s a team that has battled through some hard times and shows great promise in the future. I’m proud to be a part of this team.”
Take notice of the Leach's comment about facilities. The new Pac-12 television contract dollars are making way for major improvements at WSU. The university recently approved an $80 million upgrade to Martin Stadium, which includes a new football operations complex.
Those television dollars also mean Leach will get a substantially larger paycheck from the $600,000 which former WSU coach Paul Wulff received annually. Leach stands to make about $2.25 million per year with incentives rolled into his five-year contract. But after listening to Moos talk about it, it becomes clear the athletic director knew there was no question WSU had to spend if it wants to escape mediocrity.
"You gotta' realize this school has never hired a BCS coach," Moos said. "And this isn't just a BCS coach, this is a coach that in 10 years went to 10 bowl games, was national coach of the year, was offensive coordinator for a year with [Oklahoma Sooners head coach] Bob Stoops and recruited the quarterbacks he eventually had to play against."
Simply put, a big-time BCS coach comes with a big-time price tag. Moos shared that there was no haggling whatsoever between the two. According to Moos, Leach took the first offer by WSU. The offer to Leach comes with a crystal clear call to alumni and fans who clamored for a marquee football coach.
"I opened my checkbook for you," said Moos. "It's time for you to open your checkbook for me."
Not only will the Cougs pay more than three times what they paid their last coach, but Moos added they will bolster the budget for assistants by 50 percent. Leach's deal includes $1.8 million for assistant coaches versus the $1.2 million under the Wulff regime.
With both UCLA and Arizona State dismissing their head coaches before Washington State let their own go, it was Wazzu that wasted no time in making the first hire in about 24 hours. This demonstrates the no-nonsense nature of Moos and his sense of urgency to bring the program back to relevance.
Leach was thought to be in play for most of the big name programs in the Pac-12, and more specifically, Big 12 bottom feeder Kansas. While many thought KU was the prime contender, Moos informed the media on the call that was not the case.
"I really didn't feel that we were battling anybody," said Moos. "I do know that there were schools pounding on his door. ... A lot of people wanted him and he wanted Washington State. And I think that says a lot."
With the bold hire of Leach, Moos and the Cougars have effectively hoisted the Jolly Roger up the mast and fired a warning shot across the collective bows of the conference. The Pirate is coming to the Palouse and the Cougs are set to plunder the Pac-12.
