Call me crazy; but is this not a perfect opportunity for Mike Leach to return to coaching in the Big 12? Mack Brown steps down, Saben gets a bump to stay at Bama while at least hinting like the threat of leaving was there, and now they are left without a high profile replacement. Texas has the resources and facilities to compete but needs a coach who knows how to win in a pass happy league and knows how to recruit in Texas. The man has served his time in football pergatory while turning WSU into Air Raid West. Thoughts?
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I'm reading the book The System (highly recommended btw) anyways besides Leach not being successful/hot enough at the moment he is not a handshaking, warm to boosters type guy for the Texas job. He wouldn't be able to swing his sword the way he'd want to IMO
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I'm sure people will end up disagreeing, and I don't think it has a shot, but it has scary potential. The teams he built at Texas Tech were largely with recruits from Texas who got overlooked. His system with elite talent could be Oregon like in my opinion.
Leach burned too many political bridges by taking the state of Texas to court over his firing so I don't see this happening in any way. Leading candidate right now is Charlie Strong from Louisville, which would weaken them as they join the ACC.
Craig James would have none of that
Mike Leech is like Dr. House. He pisses everyone off, destroys bridges, and is really bad at "coach speak". However, he just might be worth the trouble if you, the fan base, and the rest of the university can put up with him and look the other way, or laugh, when he says something in bad taste.
I can't see UT wanting any kind of nonsense with their coach, at least known stuff.
I always thought Leach got the short end of that ESPN stick, and would love to see him coach, but I don't think a couple of seasons at TT get you the best college football job.
Besides, I honestly think you will see a bigger name.
One problem: Mike Leach sucks as a coach.
If no big name takes the bait and jumps to Texas, you have to have a guy who can fill in. In coaching you never want to be the guy that follows THE GUY. I could see UT making a godfather type offer to any coach in the country; and even if you love your school and administration, you need to at least consider the cash considerations. Texas is going to want to make a splash, but I'm sure they have a plan.
Happily, THE GUY isn't exactly going out on top. Yes, he's had a ton of success over the past decade or so, but the last few years have been a bit underwhelming by Texas standards. I'm not sure we'll see too many people saying "pass" if offered the Texas job.
I don't think anyone passes either, but the seat gets a lot hotter a lot earlier if your predecessor won a national title. Now there is some slight cooling since UT has been average, but I don't think they are a patient bunch there in Austin.
Probably a good deal more patient than in South Bend at least. I see your point though, the seat definitely gets hotter quicker than at, say, UVA. Still, I think that bothers you less and less the more you look at the paycheck they're willing to write.
Believe me, the fans here in Austin are not patient at all. They still think they can get Saban after the bowl game.
Has the "chuck the pig skin" coach that applied for the opening in North Dakota east central state univerity tech put his name in for the Texas job yet?
Leach would be a horrible fit at Texas. Part of why Texas Tech was willing to fire him was he stopped making pleasantries with the boosters. You can't do that at UT.
How about Mr Sweater Vest? (hey you did say crazy thought)
He received a five year ban from coaching in the NCAA in the fall-out from Tattoo-Gate.