Both sides frustrated with Leach contract process
BY DON WILLIAMS l AVALANCHE-JOURNAL
Monthslong communication between Texas Tech and agents for football coach Mike Leach show a growing frustration on both sides — including a rebuke to the agents from the chairman of Tech’s Board of Regents.
The university has given Leach a Feb. 17 deadline to sign a contract-extension of $12.7 million over five years, but Leach’s agents say he won’t sign because of four added elements they say make the proposal unacceptable.
Leach referred to the four terms to which he objected on Wednesday during his national signing day news conference. He later declined to discuss them specifically, but said he won’t agree to them.
Tech officials say the reason for some of the changes was concern about Leach’s interest in other jobs.
The Avalanche-Journal obtained dozens of pages of letters and e-mails between the two sides through the Texas Public Information Act on Friday.
Leach, who just finished his ninth season in Lubbock, has two years remaining on his current contract, which pays $10 million over five years.
This started in April
The wrangling between the two sides has been going on for almost a year:
• In April, Leach’s agents approached Tech about getting a new deal done, asking for a $15.2 million, five-year contract. Tech said it wanted to wait until after the 2008 season.
• In early December, Tech made a $12.1 million, five-year offer, which Leach rejected through his agents.
• In mid-December, as part of a counterproposal from Leach’s agents, they asked the coach be named “AD for Football” with “Full control and responsibility for managing the Football Program” and that he “Will report directly to the Chancellor of the University.”
• On Jan. 9, Tech increased the offer to $12.7 million over five years while adding the new elements. Athletic Director Gerald Myers termed it “our best and final offer.’’
• On Jan. 12, Leach’s side rejected the offer.
Leach’s agent Gary O’Hagan wrote to Myers: “We do want to assure you that compensation is not the most significant issue we have with your offer. Both you and Chancellor (Kent) Hance have repeatedly explained to us that, at this time, the University has limited financial resources. We fully understand this and have taken this into account in our negotiations.’’
But O’Hagan said the latest offer represented “a significant step backward’’ with “markedly worse’’ terms than the original and “significantly worse’’ terms than Leach’s current contract.
• In a Jan. 20 counteroffer made by Leach’s agents, the two sides agree on total compensation of $12.7 million over five years. That includes a new, mutually agreed-upon contract-completion bonus of $600,000 if Leach stays through 2013.
Leach’s agents, however, proposed incentives totaling $1.15 million more than what Tech proposes. Most of that is the difference between what Tech proposes for Leach winning the national championship ($250,000) and what Leach’s side proposes for a national title ($1 million).
• On Jan. 28, in another letter to Myers, Matt Baldwin, one of Leach’s representatives, wrote: “We, like you, remain hopeful that Coach will remain the head football coach at Texas Tech for many years to come. However, absent a significant change in Texas Tech’s position in this negotiation, it is highly unlikely that an agreement can be reached for the aforementioned reasons.’’
If Leach doesn’t sign by Feb. 17, Myers said the current contract will stay in place without change.
“We’ve got to have a date when we either have a new contract or not,’’ Myers told The A-J on Friday. “We can’t just let this thing ride on and on.’’
The four issues
• Tech reduces the guaranteed income due Leach should it dismiss him.
Leach’s current deal ensured he’d be paid $3.6 million of a guaranteed income of $9 million. In the new proposal, he would receive $1.5 million from guaranteed income of $11.1 million.
• Tech increases Leach’s buyout clause from the current flat $500,000 if he leaves Tech to $300,000 per year for each year remaining on his deal. O’Hagan, noting that could add up to as much as $1.5 million on a five-year deal, called the clause “among the highest in the Big 12 Conference.”
He said four Big 12 coaches — Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops, Texas’ Mack Brown, Kansas’ Mark Mangino and Kansas State’s Bill Snyder — have no buyout.
Leach’s agents propose the buyout remain at $500,000 if Leach initiates a departure and 50 percent of his remaining base salary and outside income if Tech fires him.
• Tech inserted a requirement Leach ask permission before interviewing for other jobs. If he interviews for another job without informing Tech, he can be fired for cause and subject to a penalty clause of $300,000 per year for the remaining contract term. There are no such stipulations in Leach’s current contract.
• Finally, according to O’Hagan, Leach must “assign over to the university and its agent, Learfield Sports, all rights to his name and identity, so that the university can sell Mike’s time and the use of his name and identity to third parties.”
Hance told The A-J on Friday that Leach’s interest in other jobs led the university to consider some of the new elements.
“I like Mike and I want him to be our coach, but I don’t want his agents shopping him around every year. I found it outrageous that I saw in the newspaper my football coach was interviewing for other jobs. We expect him to notify us. We want loyalty,” Hance said.
On the guarantee and buyout money, Hance said, “If it’s good for one, it’s good for the other. His agents say Mack Brown and Bob Stoops don’t have a buyout provision, and I told them when Mike wins a national championship I’ll take the buyout provision out.”
In the written communications, O’Hagan criticized the marketing issue.
“The University is asking for the right to dictate and have complete control over Coach Leach’s appearances, endorsements, book publishing, etc., and the right to profit off these activities,” O’Hagan wrote. “In all my years in the business, I have never seen such a request. Mike currently has the right to negotiate, independently or through his agent, all such agreements and retain all monies derived from them.’’
On Friday, Myers said the clause isn’t an attempt to control Leach’s outside income. Specifically, Myers said there is no intent to infringe on Leach’s ability to earn from books or personal appearances.
“It just means that we want to mainly be involved with his media rights,” Myers said. “A lot of schools probably do — maybe not all — have some involvement in coaches shows and things like that to generate outside income, but not the total personal rights of the coach.
“Mike’s reported outside income last year was $10,000. We think we can exceed that.”
Job search provision
The new provision of Leach having to notify Tech if he planned to interview for another job likely stems from Leach’s December trip to Seattle when the University of Washington was in a coaching search. Both then, and two years ago when published reports said Leach had contact with Miami (Fla.) about a coaching vacancy, Myers admitted he was not in the loop on Leach’s intentions.
On Friday, Myers said he would never deny Leach permission to talk to other schools; he just wanted the courtesy of hearing from Leach himself.
“We want to know — and feel that we should know — when he’s actually interested in looking at another position,” Myers told The A-J. “It’s not to keep him from looking at another position or curtailing his interest. It’s mainly so we can know the difference between the media talk, rumors and actual fact whether he is involved.”
Baldwin says several schools require their coach to give notice to interview elsewhere, but contends none have punishment of for-cause firing and a penalty payment.
“This prior approval would not be withheld unreasonably,” Myers wrote in a Jan. 26 letter to Baldwin, “but we want you as his agent to stop shopping Coach Leach everywhere and him not saying anything to deny that he’s looking for another job.”
For much of December, Leach did not return phone calls to media members, which is unusual for him. When he returned to Lubbock from Seattle, he said he had no comment on the trip.
In his Jan. 28 letter, Baldwin suggested Myers was sending mixed signals. He referred to an e-mail Myers sent to Leach’s agents nine months before, in which Myers wrote: “We realize Mike Leach’s talents. He is an excellent coach. His desire to make more money is perfectly logical, but we have about reached the limits of what we can pay our coach and still maintain the rest of the department. If better opportunities occur for him somewhere else, we will fully understand.”
“The message sent by you was very clear,” Baldwin wrote last week, “and in an effort to serve our client we felt a duty to follow your instructions.”
Back in April
In an April 25 e-mail, Baldwin expressed “major surprise and disappointment” when Tech tabled discussions of a contract extension until after the 2008 season.
“The decision to let Mike’s contract run down to having two years remaining on the term will have disastrous consequences to the Red Raider football program in many areas, including: coach contentment, negative recruiting and poor public relations,” Baldwin wrote to Myers and Bobby Gleason, Tech deputy athletic director and chief financial officer. “Considering all that Mike has done for Tech, there is no way that he should have fewer than four years remaining on his contract at any given time.”
Last spring, Leach’s agents sought to make Leach the third-highest-paid coach in the Big 12. O’Hagan’s reasoning, from an April 30 e-mail to Myers, was that Leach had won more Big 12 games than any of the league’s other coaches except those at Texas and Oklahoma.
O’Hagan disagreed with Myers’ comment that Leach had an “excellent” contract.
“Mike has two-plus years remaining on his current contract, and he is now the sixth-highest-paid coach in the Big 12,” O’Hagan wrote, referring to an attached chart. “Relative to what Mike has contributed to Tech, any contract that causes Mike to feel average and unwanted is not ‘excellent.’ ”
To comment on this story:
don.williams@lubbockonline.com l 766-8734
jeff.walker@lubbockonline.com l 766-8735
- Expanded Coverage
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• Mike Leach’s Dec. 5 Contract Counter-Offer
• Continued: Mike Leach’s Dec. 5 Contract Counter-Offer
• Texas Tech’s Jan. 9 proposal for Mike Leach’s Contract Extension
• Mike Leach’s Jan. 20 Contract Counter-Offer
• Mike Leach’s Feb. 10 Counter-Offer
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How do we as alumni find out how much Gerald Myers, Kent Hance, and Guy Bailey make?
Also, what line of business is F.Scott Dueser in. Who decides that he is a part of the Board of Regents? Can the governor remove him, and other board members as he sees fit?
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Who do these agents think they are?
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Great work AJ. As an alum I appreciate your efforts to make public the issues that are affecting the future of Texas Tech Football.
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Oh my gosh what’s going on. Put more people in the mix and all hell breaks loose.
Leach has agentS?
Tech is right on with two items. They have invested heavily with Leach and the deserve two items. Those other non buy-out coaches do not shop for other gigs every year, so Tech wins that argument.
Leach kind of cause the permission clause by his actions. Sorry Coach.
Now for Tech request for name, likeness etc. that’s a little overboard. I can see that they may have an equally vested interest while he’s at Tech so maybe they can limit that and pre-determine a amicable split of the revenue, with either party that could object to any demand of time, use, etc.
Come on kids, lets show the players and students who the grown-ups are!
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Note the last part of this paragraph. It seems Dueser should not be sending any more e-mails or letters since his term expired on February 1.
F. Scott Dueser was appointed to the Board of Regents of the Texas Tech University System on January 26, 2004. Mr. Dueser currently serves as the chairman of the Board of Regents. He has twice served as a member of the Finance and Administration Committee; he served as the chair of that committee from January 2005 to June 2007. He was also a member of the Investment Advisory Committee. Currently, Mr. Dueser serves as a member of the Facilities Committee. Mr. Dueser’s term will expire on February 1, 2009.
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Tech has invested and looks like are willing to continue and increase that investment. Leach your choice if you want to be a legacy coach or a jump ship kinda coach. Your call.
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Texas Tech is already profitting from Leach’s image.
The idea that they need to have the rights to what is in essence his identity is absurd. No person should have their identity owned by another entity.
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LJE if you have to ask such questions you really have no business commenting on this story
no one is going to be dumb enough to try and change any BOR or administration of Texas Tech over a coaching issue and only a fool would think otherwise
really if you don’t already know the answers to your questions or you are too ignorant to know how to find them your thoughts on the matter are worthless and unneeded
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Here’s a few numbers everyone might be interested in:
Kent Hance’s contract is for 3 years(maximum allowed by law) that terminates on November 2009.
His base salary is $412,000 yearly.
His deferred compensation for 2008 was $229,500 that was paid on December 31,2008.
His additional compensation is $24,000 yearly(paid monthly-$2,000) for car allowance.
Other benefits not in said contract could be travel expenses,gasoline expenses,football tickets(Chancellor’s SkyBox),etc.
Total cash benefits in said contract for 2008
$665,500(base+deferred+car allowance)/$55,000 MONTHLY
Hance is scheduled to receive $127,000 in deferred compensation in 2009 but regents do amendments to said contract to “sweeten” deferred income section of contract.
Kent Hance’s base salary is $436,000 yearly plus deferred compensation that is adjusted by regents as well as all benefits university funds that are separate budget items not identified in his contract. This contract is truly “Lap Of Luxury” funded by tax dollars.
Guy Bailey’s contract is for 3 years(maximum allowed by law).
His base salary is for $350,000 yearly.
His additional compensation will be $18,000 yearly for car allowance and $42,000 yearly for housing allowance(paid monthly-both totaling $60,000 yearly/$5,000 monthly)
His deferred income will be $4,167 monthly into an account that Bailey can withdraw from on September 11,2011 or before.
His yearly compensation for 2009 will be $410,000.
Bailey’s contract does NOT identify fringe benefits such as travel,expense accounts,etc.
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LJE BOR members are still fully in power until another replacement is appointed
stop further making a fool of yourself
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There you go “someone”.
Since you didn’t offer any answers yourself… here they are for you.
You too no longer have to wallow in your own ignorance.
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CD I think Tech’s plans are to make Texas Tech Football and Mike Leach one in the same. Long range planning and rewards. Thus the request. This does make since for an elite program and funding source and PR standpoint. If they could make it work it would be very rewarding for both parties. But again I think there could be comprimises here. Maybe Tech forgets it and drops his salary accordingly.
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We need to get Coach Leach’s contract extension signed. After reviewing some of the changes I think we should remove Gerald Myers from the negotiations. Keep it with Dr. Bailey or Chancellor Hance. I think we should cap the buyout at $750,000 and have it decrease by $75,000 per each year that he stays. We should ask that the AD is notified by Coach Leach’s agents if he interviews for another job, but does not have to ask permission and there are no consequences for interviewing. We should leave the guaranteed income alone if he is fired without cause. He has the best record of any Coach in the last 50 years and is building a great program. He is not going to be fired. Coach Leach should not have to sign over his rights to market himself to the University. This deal should be a no brainer. Gerald had better realize that Coach Leach has brought in a lot of money to Texas Tech and that money will dry up if Coach Leach leaves. Get this deal done. I will not be donating any more money to Tech until the deal is done.
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Well said Mike… well said.
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BTW I’ll take any of those cushy dream jigs and will be willing to take a 50% paycut to help with university funding problems. :-)
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Coach Leach is a little over .500 in conference play since he has been the Texas Tech coach. He is getting a TON of money to do that. He has NEVER won the big 12 outright. If leach wants a mega contract, than he needs a mega buyout.
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LJE I already knew that hose people made and I don’t see what it has to do with anything about the contract of Leach
I also knew that BOR members stayed in power until replaced
so you gave us all a big bag of nothing that has nothing to do with a coaches contract
thanks for nothing
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There is obviously bad blood between Myers and Leach, make no mistake, that is evidenced by everything seen and done either written or when the two men are in the same room. That aside, Tech needs to sign Leach, he has paid dividends at the turnstiles and connected nationally which brings revenues and attention to the University, the buyout for a coach of his statute that high is ridiculous, ($500k was fair) is ridiculous, as it the rights to Leach’s name and likeness, everyone at the table knows that. Therefore, those two items should never have been put in muchless, have to be removed. The fire without cause clause for searching is a knee-jerk to the Boston College football coach’s contract that garnered attention, and most respectable coaches would not sign it, and most respectable AD’s would not ask. The only provision i agree with is that Leach should have to notify administration, and acquire permission to speak with other Universities.
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Can’t help but give consideration to the fact that Leach’s lawyer saw a need to go directly to the regents. To me this is a pretty clear indication that they feel as though they are not being treated reasonably by Meyers and Company. Doesn’t mean that they are right, but it reveals what appears to be deep animosity. I agree that there seem to be pretty obvious compromises as laid out by Mike earlier. It may be that there is a bit of a wee wee contest clouding the issue. Probably should find new negotiators for both sides.
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Cut him loose. He wins in regular season, but falls flat in the bowls. Let him go and hire Gary Patterson.
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so the deadline comes and goes, let’s see what next season brings and which side has the leverage. Recruiting class next year will be hit hard if this contract issue isn’t settled. I agree it’s time to being in outside mediators for both sides. These kids don’t deserve to be talking to each other. This is almost like DC. Country going to hell and they play gamesmanship.
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opps “being” should be “bring” :-)
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Hey AJ who is “Learfield Sports” and what connects are there to Tech personel? Is someone wanting to personally profit in this proposed deal?
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fgf
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Let me get this straight. Leach holds out for more compensation in a contract renegotiation. Sounds reasonable to ask for more money in negotiations. Meyers and Hance agree to more money but add four qualifiers which negate the improved monetary offer. Sounds like bad faith negotiation to me. I would advise Leach to not sign the new contract and start looking elsewhere for imployment, if I was his agent.
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What a circus.
Fire Leach, hire Art Briles or Gary Patterson or Kyle W. or Cougar High coach.
Fire Pat Knight, hire the Memphis coach.
Fire Myers. Get the superintendent of Plano to run TTU and the athletic department and pay him $75,000. Fire Hance.
Fire Curry, hire Gary Blair, Kim Mulkey, Sheryl Swoopes, Leon Barmore, or Kurt Budke.
What a joke this school has become.
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There will be a great disinterest on the part of Tech fans and supporters if this deal doesn’t get done.
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I think Tech alumni are sick of Leach’s agents shopping him around, so now I think Tech fans would welcome Art Briles with open arms
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AJ, you said it! Or did Rodney King?
…Can’t we all just get along?
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Tech is obviously struggling financially
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JHMc doesn’t know what he/she is talking about; Mike Leach has won more bowl games than any other Texas Tech Football coach; Mike Leach is the only Texas Tech Football coach to win back to back bowl games; Mike Leach has won 2 out of his last 3 bowl games, and don’t quote me on this, but I think he has won 4 out of his last 6, (both losses coming in the last two Cotton Bowl visits). How do we know that JHMc is not commenting on behalf of Myers and Hance?
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I don’t think the Cotton Bowl helped Mike Leach.
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Still, Leach is about to become the coach with the most wins in Tech history, and if I am correct, with one of the better winning percentages. I’m an alum that’s not so tired of his antics that I can’t see the forest for the trees. He’s still better for Tech than anyone else would be on my opinion. If the greatest brain surgeon I could go too was an A**hole, I’d still rather have him be the one who operates on my head. Generally speaking, Leach’s positives have far outweighed his negatives. Last time I checked – Lubbock is still out in the middle of nowhere. Love it though I do, if I were being highly recruited by several great programs – Tech is a hard sell. Leach has shown a consistent ability to work with less, and he is improving recruiting – albeit slowly. I think Tech should insist he let them know (not ask permission) if he is interviewing and drop the other 3 clauses. And Leach should quit stirring things up unless he has already decided to leave. Hell it’s not like he isn’t getting rewarded for his efforts.
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I would like to point out a few things you gentlemen(BOR, Kent Hance and Gerald Myers) obviously don’t get. This is not about Coach Leach winning or losing. This is about Texas Tech winning or losing.
We already know Coach Leach marches to a different drummer. I think we all would agree He is going to win where ever he goes. He is going to get big money for doing so. He has already said the money was ok. The reason he has been successful in Lubbock is to your credit you have allowed him to be him and because of that he has built a winner. I believe he is on the brink of building a big time winner and a perennial power in Div 1 Football. Have you stopped to think what the long term ramifications of that are to Texas Tech and Lubbock? If you gentlemen screw this up they should railroad all of you out of town.
You see the sticking points in the contract are not based on common sense or what is good for Texas Tech… They seem to be created by men who A. have no clue about business and B.Have no clue about human nature.
1. The buyout clause If you terminate him without cause you should pay 40% of his contract for being so stupid. He has won more than any coach and brought more positive free press to Tech than any coach including Bob Knight or Gerald Meyers.
2.Not allowing him to talk to other Schools without permission.
If you have one of the prettiest girls at the prom the quickest way to lose her is to not allow her to talk to any one else.
3.Personal Property Rights Coach Leach is becoming a celebrity. If you are limited on what you can compensate him in the contract it is stupid to disallow him to own his own property rights. Texas Tech did not make him a celebrity he made Texas Tech a winning program. He will be a celebrity where ever he coaches. If you run him off the only loser will be Texas Tech. Tech will once again become and be seen as an also ran.
4. Remember you are dealing with a Pirate, not Politicians(Mack Brown, Bob Stoops )
You remind me of the guy who finally bought the goose that laid the golden egg. As an after thought he asked oh by the way what do I feed him… The old farmer smiled and said gold dust.
Get a grip guys you have a choice. You can make Texas Tech a great football school or you can make some other school a great football school it is your choice.
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Now – if we could only be sure that Mike’s statement gets read by the powers that be……….
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I totally agree with watchdog113’s comments. The coach is a bit unrealistic on the buyout or permission to interview elsewhere stuff, but the school is totally greedy with that turning over rights to his name and speaking engagement stuff, and incomes from that. That’s ridiculous, Tech!
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Well stated Mike Terrel. Fellows these are old negotiating tools where you agree to a request the other side wants to include as a trade for a condition you know they will not accept. Hence no extension of contract. Looks like MIke will coach Tech under the new contract then move on the establish a winning program elsewhere. We can forget Briles and Patterson as they will be making more than Leach. I love TEch and think Leach is a perfect fit. I think he likes Tech and Lubbock but it appears the powers that be have decided they do not want to get an extension done. Mike will be there next year and will have another winning season then will leave.
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Tech has every right to ask for a high buyout and to limit other interviews. Ever hear of Boston College? They fired their football coach because he interviewed for another job when specifically forbidden. It does happen, and it should as much as these guys get paid. If I’m the AD, Leach is gone after this season if he does not accept those two terms. I’d simply invoke the words of Leach’s buddy Don Trump, “You’re fired.”
As for the imaging business, that’s basically taking away any raise that he’s given. It’s just simply a stupid demand. Tech should drop it.
Also, the guaranteed income business is not fair. If you expect the Coach to give up his rights to look elsewhere, how can you then turn around and say we’ll fire you at a highly diminished value without cause?
In my humble opinion that should be the compromise, two conditions stay, two go.
If that won’t get the deal done, then I say go after the greatest football player/coach to ever come out of Rule, Texas.
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I say drop the idiotic request for control of his identity (that one really is stupid), put the “fire with cause” thing back where it was. But If he’s gonna walk over the other two, then we may as well know that up front and start looking for a replacement now. I LOVE having Mike Leach as the Tech coach, but I HATE worrying about losing him every December. And I’m convinced that his pursuit of other jobs hurt us in those last 3 games. Mike Leach (and his agent) has a duty to Mike Leach, and I do NOT begrudge him asking for more money or other benefits. But our admin. has a duty to Texas Tech, and I am in FULL support of them working to either keep our coach here (by all means necessary) or figure out where we stand.
(Seriously, if the buyout and “permission” clauses (altho especially the buyout) are such deal breakers then he’s obviously not committed to Tech. If you’re saying “what if a school offered him a $100 million, well, then they could afford that piddly buyout (see: Rich Rodriguez, Michigan), the permission clause is a bit dicier, but if Leach can’t even notify the school when he doesn’t have a penalty (like for the UW job) then I totally understand the necessity, and seriously, how poor does it look when the press is reporting your HC is interviewing and your AD can only respond “I dunno, I haven’t heard from Mike and I don’t know WHERE he is”)
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Thinking about Leach and him going elsewhere, where is he going to go to make such a good program? Washington was desparate for any shot of respectability, and they turned him down after the year he had for Tech. Auburn never even considered him, nor did Miami seriously, despite Leach’s solicitations. Until he takes Tech to a conference championship, no doors will open to a better job. I like Coach Leach and what he has done for Tech, but he would do well to heed the old adage that the grass is not always greener on the other side. He could end up coaching Idaho and finishing third in whatever conference they’re in, not moving up to the penthouse somewhere else. No offense intended to anyof you Idahos out there.
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If Leach is not going to sign the contract as proposed, let’s go get a new coach. Just go up I-27 about 100 miles and you will find a coach with a winning record at WTSU, Arena Football and ENMU. Won’t have to change anything, as they run the exact same offense as Texas Tech. They might even be able to win a Conference Championship and he would be real happy with the contract as it is right now.
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Just a couple thoughts to add to Mike Terrell’s post:
All you Art Briles lovers have to realize he is under a multiyear contract at Baylor with a buyout Tech would have to pay. If Tech is in such financial distress that they have to flex their puny muscles right now, I doubt that they would wanna buyout a big contract. It’s also not a given that he’d even wanna leave to join this mess.
Also, if you’re excited about this incoming recruit class, realize that these guys came to play for Mike Leach, not for Texas Tech. They realize that he is reason that Crabtree, Harrell, and others will be playing sundays. If Mike Leach leaves, say goodbye to your prized recruits. I doubt they would wanna stick around middle-of-nowhere Texas to play for some other chump coach.
Leach’s disgust is not with Lubbock. He isn’t wanting to leave because he hates this place and hates all of the Tech fans. It’s obvious that it’s because he can’t stand the people that have been giving him the run-around ever since he got here. Considering all the problems the other programs are currently having (ie BASKETBALL, etc), maybe the University ought to think about changing things up top.
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I like Coach Leach. I want him to stay. But the threat of disasterous consequences if Tech doesn’t structure its offer to suit Coach Leach is just that – a threat – and totally unacceptable.
What Tech is asking of Leach for an early out is less than half of what Tech has to pay for an early out. Seems reasonable.
The provision relating to Leach’s name and identity rights should be withdrawn. Let him keep that.
And with with, if the new contract is not accepted, Leach should be “re-assigned” effective at the end of the 2009 season, so a new coach can be in place and can recruit, and the “disasterous consequences” will be no greater than any other time a coach is replaced. He’ll work hard for the year, as does a pro player that has asked to be traded, or he will see his market value plummet.
In all fairness, Mike has done Tech an excellent job. Again, I want to keep him. But $12.7 million for 5 years is an excellent salary. Mike is a good field coach, good recruiter and an interesting and good guy, but off the field he is not Mack Brown, Bob Stoops or even Spike Dykes when it comes to glad-handing the alums and doing that part of the job. And he should not be paid like he is.
Mike has shown interest in almost every other big job that has come up. There have been no takers at the Tech offer or at a higher price for his services, suggesting that Tech’s offer is at or above his market value. Because the market for his particular talents, services and excentricities has been tested, there is little need to resort to comparison with what other coaches are being paid.
Mike, please, delete the provision relating to naming and identity rights, sign the contract and deliver it. And Tech, if he does so, sign it!
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I am convinced Myers is completely incompetent. I also thought Hance was much more sophisticated in his business dealings as well. Who in there right mind would do the following (below). I am not privy to Mack Browns, Urban Meyer, or other big time coaches contracts but I would presume they would not sign this type deal either. I guess TECH really is the Walmart of the BIG 12. I can understand Leach’s consternation with the whole process. I don’t think these guys could run a gas and sip.
I know I know, Hance is this and that but….. is he really? These jokers actually believe they are doing Leach a favor. Look at the recruiting class we just pulled in! Look at the season we just completed. Not to mention Crabtree will probably be drafted in the top 5. Maybe they should outsource the contract to Punjab, India for what they are willing to spend.
“According to O’Hagan, Leach must “assign over to the university and its agent, Learfield Sports, all rights to his name and identity, so that the university can sell Mike’s time and the use of his name and identity to third parties.
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HaHaHa What a joke of a school!
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I have been a loyal Leach supporter for nine years now and have follwed Tech football for over 30 years. Unfortunately, I am very dissapointed that every coaching vacancy has him name attached to it AND he goes on job interviews every now and then. I also believe he is well compensated for not having won the Big 12 outright.
I applaud Kent Hance and his crew for handling this with the upmost respect. Obviously, in tough times, the money isn’t there to pay large salaries, especially to one that hadn’t won the conference outright. The Ole Miss loss was a joke and probably cost Mike any chance of ever landing in the SEC. All of my SEC counterparts think we are a joke anyway and would not win many games if we were in their conference.
Needless to say, Tech has to hold their ground if this is what they believe in and vice versa. Maybe it’s better to part ways after the contract expires and say it was good while it lasted. I would be surprised if we couldn’t find an adequate replacement.
Just my thoughts on a sensative situation.
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If Tech were to win in Norman just once, or win a Conference championship just once… then Leach’s agents could ask the Moon for him and would be right in doing so. As it stands, Leach’s job shopping and agent troubles no doubt was the cause in Tech stumbling at the end of the season, getting our butts handed to us at OU, and in the Cotton Bowl. Time for Leach’s agents to realized they dropped the ball big time in these negotiations, this is a “what have you done for me lately” game, and falling on your face in the lime light gets you nowhere.
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Baldwin is a fool and a moron. Leach needs to fire these agents. They are doing him more harm than good.
The contract is fair and reasonable. Leach should be thankful for it.
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HIGHRIDER, what is that coach’ name? I’ve heard good things about him, but cant remember his name,
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Side w/Leach on all but the permission to speak to other teams fine.
You don’t nickle and dime performance….250k for the Nat Chmp…puleez! Incentives are designed to pay for performance and if you hit goals you deserve to get paid.
Leach…don’t sign it and make’m pay thru the teeth next year after we have a repeat performance.
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Any respectable agency knows the procedure in university contract negotiations. Going to the Board in the manner Baldwin did was completely unacceptable. Regent Dueser was 100% correct in his response. I’ve been offered jobs that didn’t offer what I wanted in compensation I didn’t accept them. Everybody is about to wet their britches over a football coach. Texas Tech University existed long before anybody ever heard of Mike Leach or Bob Knight. It will continue to provide quality education long after this contract negotiation ends, one way or another.
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We lost Bob Bass (a good recruiter) because he missed pro basketball (at least, that’s what he said). We lost David McWilliams because of UT ties, etc. If we lose Mike Leach, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere near Gerald Myers or his house. There will be a firestorm over that. Somehow, Tech always finds an excuse to let a good coach leave. Jim Carlen was a great recruiter but Tech didn’t like him because he was “too preachy” (whatever that means). Too bad Tech made such a fuss over James Dickey; how many Tech basketball coaches go 30-2 for a season? And he’s still in coaching. I think Tech needs to shed their false pride and get this contract done. If Leach goes, I can just hear people everywhere saying “Tech goes 11-2 and they lose him over small potatoes”. Just wonderful!
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In a Jan. 20 counter-offer made by Leach’s agents, the two sides agree on total compensation of $12.7 million a year over five years. That includes a new, mutually agreed contract-completion bonus of $600,000 if Leach stays through 2013.
Leach’s agents, however, proposed incentives totaling $1.15 million more than what Tech proposes. Most of that is the difference between what Tech proposes for Leach winning the national championship ($250,000) and what Leach’s side proposes for a national title ($1 million).
Leach needs to sign this contract that was agreed on,and Tech pays him the 1,5 million in incentives, the BCS Championship BOWL purse would pay for it. If he doesn’t take this, lets move on
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Between this mess, the increase in ticket prices, the OU “game” and the Cotton Bowl I’m ready to bang my head against the wall.
The only thing that keeps me sane is watching Youtube replays of the final plays of the ut game….geez.
Simple fact is that we live and die by the red and black and to Leach it is just a job.
I say we load his contract with incentives for winning the Big 12 and National Championship. Heck…make him the richest coach in the history of the NCAA when he wins the big one…until then pay him like a coach that has tied for the Big 12 South…once.
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Can / Will the new signees be able to back out of their recruitments (wednesday signings)??
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MUTINY me-hearties!
Leach wants pre-approval for mutiny in the future!!
Cry-babies everywhere— administration, president, coaches, agents, — make them all walk the plank!!
Tech will have to be gigantic to overcome all these clowns.
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I grow very weary of this whole issue. I wish I wouldn’t have already paid my partial payment for next years season tickets. Both Tech and Leach need to realize, the fan base is getting very restless and sick of all of it. Leach is showing that he is a whore for money and since he has had some success thinks he deserves the world. On the other hand, Myers seems to have made this a personel issue now. Tech football is doomed to the mediocrity of the types of Spike Dykes now. I will not go through that shit again and pay for it. I have followed Tech for 43 years…I mean I haven’t missed a home game since 1968! This is becoming a trend of coaching problems. JT King, Jim Carlen, Steve Sloan, Rex Dockery, Jerry Moore, McWilliams, Spike “shot myself in the foot” Dykes. Either they are mediocre or big time coaches, Jim Carlen (Tech and the fan base ran him off) and Steve Sloan. I grow weary of the DRAMA. DO SOMETHING, Somebody grow some rocks and do the right thing. I am very disapointed in both Leach and Myers.
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Ray Charles said is best, “Hit the Road Jack”! Lead the nation in passing yards, cliches, and being a #1 jerk. Who cares, let him go to California and play pirate!!
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As a nobody who knows very little about the game or how to run a university, I say that this past football season was the most exciting thing to happen in Lubbock since the Little League World Series of ‘07, since Darvin Hamm made the Cover of Sports Illustrated, and since Sheryl Swoops led the Lady Raiders to a Championship. Now look how hard it’s been to build those programs..
Do whatever it takes to keep Leach, otherwise we’ll be starting all over. Just try to fill that new stadium then…ugh-huh.
Myers has worn out his welcome IMO…Tech can do better than him. I would say he’s a ‘has been,’ but he never was anything.
Hance…well, he’s just lucky to have his position…’has been’ politician, maybe.
It’s hard enough to recruit to W TX as it is…let Leach get away, and see what/who wants to come to this Dust Bowl then…lots of little trust fund babies from the Metroplex who want to come to a ‘party school’ but not many real athletes, if any.
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The only reason Leach is still in Lubbock is that his one dimensional football team can’t win a big game (Texas game was a fluke) and no other school wants to take him and his 2 puppets.
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i’m always amused at the ways “guns up” seems to keep shootin’ itself in the foot… Coach Leach brings to this area something it desperately needs, which is the ability to “think outside the box.”… good luck finding a replacement…. i’ll keep doing as i have done which is watching it on tv (which will be rarely after he’s gone…)
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Ray Charles said it best; “Hi the Road, Jack”!
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I believe the current situation between Coach Leach and AD GMyers is a true indication of AD Myers negotiating abilities (or lack thereof).
EXAMPLE: Texas Tech commenced negotiations with Texas A&M to relocate the annual football game to the metroplex all in the name of financial gains for our athletic program….unable to come to terms.
AD Myers went to Oklahoma State in hopes of securing a multi-year matchup in the metroplex; again…unable to come to terms.
Now AD Myers is stalling on negotiations with Baylor** (yes, the Baylor Bears**) in moving the annual football game to the metroplex.
How in the heck did we start negotiations with Texas A&M and end up with “stalled” negotiations with Baylor**? I understand the negotiations are AD Myers responsibility.
I am not even going to comment with respect to the Coach Knight mess…Pat sure knows how to make a complete fool of himself but he is representing Texas Tech when he misbehaves. What a joke.
**Clarification necessary with respect to the Baylor Bears. I have nothing against the Bears but I just don’t think there would be theattention or anticipation with such a matchup.
Gerald Myers Be Gone!
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I’m siding with the Administration and Board of Regents on this deal. In my view Leach and his attorneys’ have shown disrespect to Tech with their actions. What an error in judgment sending an email to the Regents. Leach cannot claim no responsibility for what his agents do. I for one would not want to upset the Regents if I was a head coach. As much as Leach may not want to hear it, he is not bigger than Hance, Myers, and the Board of Regents. Unfortunately, the damage has been done and it’s now time for a change. I for one am tired of Leach shopping around every year. Make no mistake, his actions show he’ll leave Tech in a second. Let’s find someone with a little more loyalty.
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Good work AJ.
Now I know why we lost the last games and were almost beaten by Baylor. Coach Leach didn’t have his mind on Tech, It was on Washington and who knows where else For sure by the way Tech played the had been shirking his coaching responsibility!
I’ve always been a strong supporter of Coach Leach for I thought he was loyal to Tech. It is quite obvious now that he can be compared with the Wall Street bunch–what’s in it for me?
I’m 100% with Kent Hance, Gerald, and the board with one caviat. Don’t let the screen door hit you on the butt as you leave Mike.
Elvis D. Driver
Engineering Class of 1959
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The name of the game is BCS bowl games:
A&M =1, NEBRASKA = 2, OU = 8, COLORADO = 1, KANSAS STATE = 1 , TEXAS = 4, KANSAS = 1
TEXAS TECH = 0
7 of the Big 12 have made it. Tech is grouped with Baylor, Iowa St, Ok St, Mizzou. He deserves to be paid top 3 for that?
The closest we have been to a BCS game is the Cotton Bowl, and twice we have lost on our biggest stage.
I am a huge Leach fan, but I am willing to bet, you people taking his side now hated the hire 9-10 years ago. He was one of the most unpopular hires in Big 12 history. Who says his replacement cant be better?
Granted, the name rights are ridiculous, but his agents are notorious for holding Tech hostage in every prior negotiation. Every big time coach informs his employer of his intent to interview elsewhere. Its called common courtesy
Leach has very few options better than Tech.
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I think both Myers AND Leach should “hit the road!” In my opinion, I don’t think Leach will ever be happy with anything Tech offers him. He just needs to move on down the road and take Myers with him.
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I grew up in Lubbock, in the days of JT King. What a nightmare. Worst coach I’ve ever seen. Couldn’t win and TTU wouldn’t fire him. We’ve now stumbled upon a rare commodity in Coach Leach. He can win with less talent than his counterparts at OU and TU. We are occasionally getting some exceptional recruits, and there seems to be a trend to better recruiting. These are factual observations, not speculations. For those who say get another coach, I would ask why you think any quality coach would want the job. Poor location, mediocre (for the industry) pay and an employer which seems unable or unwilling to reward success. TTU hasn’t won the big 12 because it will take years of continued success to enable Tech to be competitive in the recruiting arena with OU, TU and Nebraska(they are down but no out). It will take more time and more 10 + win seasons to get us there. The best way to hold a talent such as Leach is to pay him enough to assure his willingness to to remain. Do you really think that Mac Brown and Stoops are not “out looking ” for jobs each year is because of their loyalty to their employers? I suggest it is because they have the location, winning tradition and MONEY it takes to keep them. If OU or TU were to start screwing with them, they would be out looking.Pay the coach and lets keep the progress going. Having grown up in Lubbock and graduated from Tech, I must admit that I expect Tech will successfully screw this up. IT’S TRADITION.
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Leach’s Leeches don’t get it. Don’t they read the papers? The public is fed up with guaranteed compensation and guaranteed employment. Coaches salaries are already out of control, and if Leach can’t get along with $12 million in five years, maybe he should find a job in an investment bank.
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The reasonableness of the provisions Tech is demanding really does not matter, not a whit. Leach has 100% of the negotiating power here, not Tech. That means Leach gets to make demands, not Tech. He’s a big-time coach, but Tech is not a big-time program, especially not without him. They better drop the offending provisions and keep him around.
You wanna know why Tech doesn’t get more respect in the polls? Because voters look at Tech and say “They don’t act and walk and talk like a big time program.” Blowing this negotiation will FOREVER cement Tech’s status as a second rate football school, the place coaching and playing (and administrating) talent that just isn’t good enough for UT, OU & A&M comes to be mediocre. We’ve got a chance to get past that by keeping out diamond inthe rough. Hopefully Myers & Co. will come to their senses and give the man what he wants.
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Wizard, you are wrong. Leach is the single most important employee of Texas Tech. Bar none.
JB you’ve got a point with the winning but to say Leach has very few options shows you don’t really understand the situation. He got Tech to #2, higher than they’ve ever been, and had captured the imagination of the whole college football world. As Myers himself said, the dollar value of the extra free publicity Leach generated for Tech and Lubbock last year was incalculable. Leach holds ALL the cards.
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Hey SOMEONE… did you finally go back to your longhorn web site?
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The issues:
The four issues
• Tech reduces the guaranteed income due Leach should it dismiss him. Leach’s current deal ensured he’d be paid $3.6 ……Why would Leach sign this. He has a larger contract so he should settle for less. Keep the 3.6 mil
• Tech increases Leach’s buyout clause from the current flat $500,000 if he leaves Tech to $300,000 per year for each year remaining on his deal. This should not be an obsticale for a coach that wants to stay! Afterall, he is getting more cash. Tell the agents to take a hike. They probably have to payback some commission if this happens.
• Tech inserted a requirement Leach ask permission before interviewing for other jobs. A reasonable request and the right thing for a coach to do. Forget the possible firing clause. This is petty and I don’t think any coach would sign that.
• Leach must “assign over to the university and its agent, Learfield Sports, all rights to his name and identity…gee whiz, Tech is already doing that daily. You want to raise money for east side suites, try and do that without Coach Leach.
I think Leach and Hance should sit down in a room by themselves and work this out. This is ticky -tachy stuff if you want to get a deal done.
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Let Leach go and move on. He’ll never win a national championship because top players will not play for someone that never played the game and has no idea what its really like.
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This negotiation is about ALL about G. Myers vs. O’Hagan (Leach’s agent).
Both Myers and O’Hagan egos are in a epic clash. Myers has nothing but disdain for the agents and the agents do not respect Myers.
TTU having control over Leach’s appearance is an obvious attempt to cut out the agent.
It’s getting no where because the real business of this negotiation has been fumbled and lost. Both sides should be flagged for personal fouls.
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It is obvious that Myers ande Leach do not get along. E-Mail. The worst form of communication ever invented. Everyone is brave behind a computer screen. Get away from the computer and phone, get in a room face to face (Myers excluded) and get a deal done. Leach no matter what the record has done more for Tech athletic coffers than any coach in the school’s history, Spike and Marsha included. The money will dry up and if they do not get a big name replacement we will be back to the days of the mid-80’s….7-4…6-5…blah program and blah future. It is time to step up to the big time guys and Gerald…you have maxed out where you could take us, time to step aside and let a progessive AD step in. I would take the UNM AD over who we have right now anytime. Do it now or face the consequences where it hurts..the bottom line.
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Wow, you guys in Lubbock can’t go a week without tripping over yourselves.
It’s funny to me that there is always a situation up there that makes y’all look like a bunch of sand blown rednecks.
Now don’t get me wrong, we have our deals (baseball coach) too but we tend to have a stopping point that sends us in the right direction and we are able to put it behind us and move on.
Get rid of your no count AD and I can assure you most of the wind will stop blowing.
Mike Leach is great for Tech but you’ll see this coming year he’ll be real lucky if he wins two Big 12 South games, remember Baylor is on the rise along with OSU’s three deep in every position
squad. (A & M may surprise all of us)
Thank your lucky stars that Bobby Knight checked out when he did because he was becoming a joke in basketball circles (no way was he gonna ever help out your program), hiring Knight was and will always be a frienship deal between himself and your AD.
Pat Knight is like Eddie Sutton’s kid, can’t coach a lick!!
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what a fine mess – - I guess we see the writing on the wall – there will be a split soon. But all Raiderland better pray we have an excellent year next fall. Otherwise Leach just might have to hang here for his final yr in, gulp, 2010. Hopefully we have that good year, Leach can find a job at another major univ , and we get a coach who likes us and doesn’t go whorring around looking at other jobs every year. A coach who can get us to the next level and not just be a contending freak show system. I kind of like Mike and it is not all coach Leaches fault – but he started it. We can finish it!!
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Yep! Like my buddy Spike Dykes used to say , “If he don’t want to be here then we certainly don’t need him”.
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ya know there must be a reason the new four items were introduced into negotiation. ya think they could be trying to run the boy off – YA THINK!!! My guess is the next guy will not have any of these items in his contract. HA – HA- HA…
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QUICK!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Terror alert!!!!!!!!!!!!! Somebody get Chance Hance and AD Meyers out of town til Feb 18 so they can’t sign off on a revised contract with boy wonder ( I mean WANDER). Keep him on the current contract since it only has two years remaining . It will make parting such sweet happiness, uh, I mean, sorrow – whatever.
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Considering it was Mike Leach and his team of agents who approached Texas Tech about a contract extension almost a year ago, and Texas Tech decided to wait until the end of the 2008 season, I find it wrong that Texas Tech is arguing Leach’s lack of loyalty now. Of course he is going to look at jobs elsewhere — why should he show loyalty to Texas Tech after they refused to show him any?
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Kat they gave a guy who’s only head coaching experience was in Finland and not that much experience with football at all. That is a little blind faith or gamble. Through the years I think Tech has been very loyal and patient with the wanderer.
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i like leach as much as anybody but if he could have gotten more money somewhere else, he would have.
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“What we have here, is failure to communicate!”–Strother Martin
“The worse thing that has happened in my lifetime is the meshing of the corporate mindset into intercollegiate athletics”–Jess Neeley (said this in the 60’s!)
Both sides are way off base, so this is not apt to end well.
1. Gerald Myers is in over his head, always has been as the Tech AD…nice enough guy, but his idea of negotiations is stomping his foot down and screeching in that high voice of his. Plus, now he’s puckering trying to figure out the financing angles of big time college sports. He’s a good ‘ole boy, ex-jock/coach, not a business man. His claim to fame as an AD is Bobby Knight…which saddles us with Pat, which is also not apt to end well.
2. Mike Leach should get rimmed for signing up with IMG and marketing himself around the country every year…spare me the corporate speak, he’s supposed to be a teacher and mentor of students, not a corporate, branding mogul…if he wants to better support his family, use the law degree…think how much better his recruiting might be if one year he was loyal and totally in town…his demands have pretty much extended Tech’s abilities to meet, so if he doesn’t understand this, let him walk. That’s what you get when you sign a lawyer up as your coach! We’ll see if he’s got this kind of leverage after the usual 7-5 campaign.
3. People who believe that “Leach is the single most important employee of Texas Tech. Bar none.”…need to get a life!. This year was tremendous, but so was 1973 and 1976 and no one has done it as well, including Leach, until 2008. Life will go on with or without him…although he interviews every year, I don’t see anyone offering anything…and don’t scoff at a Gary Patterson (I believe he has done more with less at TCU, and kicked our butt) or any of the other candidates mentioned. I loved the month of November as much as anyone…but look at it for what is is….one month…don’t just automatically drink the kool ade. Plus, it probably will get us a higher profile group of coaching candidates one day if we do need a coach…don’t just fall in line with the Briles’ backers or support whoever is coaching at Wolforth.
4. Although Leach has a slightly better record than Spike, there’s been a serious upgrade in money and facilities, and a downgrade in scheduling…Dykes did have a conference championship, so right now it’s about a push.
5. For their investment, Myers and Hance are totally justified in asking to be notified if Leach is looking…especially before the media knows it. At most jobs that I know of you’re fired if this happens. Then again in the real world, unlike sports, if you’re caught using drugs, alcohol or being incompentent you don’t get paid to go away, you’re just canned.
What needs to happen is to get a grip and make sure this ends soon, one way or another. If Myers needs to go, do it…if Leach won’t sign, fire his *** and get someone who wants to be here. Don’t let it fester and become a national joke…I sort of like the way the Boston College AD handled his head case.
Whatever happens, I’ll be in my seat supporting Texas Tech, not blindly following the latest coaching staff and agents with their bunker mentality and loud-mouth booster wanna-be’s, most of whom didn’t even go to Tech and think it’s the closest thing to the Cowboys.
BTW–Atta Boy, Scott Dueser…tell it like it is!
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Bonghorn Sally, 39-33, so shut up!
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And you wonder why TEXAS and OKLAHOMA programs are superior to TECH? For your information, neither Mack nor Stoops’s contract would ever get down to the final two years.EVER. Unless we wanted them to leave. We would pay our coach tied for first and Nationally ranked team as if he were a Nationally ranked coach – not 6th in the conference. I wouldnt call Leach a “jump ship” kinda guy if he takes a better position anymore than I would feel the same for bettering myself by taking a promotion. Myers must be removed not only from this negotation but from his position. He has managed to run off Knight and Sharp who frankly had a belly full of him. Has anybody bothered to look at his win record and qualifications – Talk about small-town nepotism! yuck.
The four clauses added make me sick and to think that Tech – and Lubbock ( used interchangeably) suck the life out of every living and breathing soul that gives Tech a shot and moves out here. I am sure this experience dealing with the local flunky decision makers that Tech has resorted too will leave a sour taste in Leach’s mouth and not be much inspiration. Sadly to say, he would probably better himself to move on and quit dealing with playground sissies behaving like bullies.
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http://www.MackBrownTexasFootball.com and thats all you need to know.
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Sounds like it’s time for a divorce.
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Um..i say we fire Gerald and after reading Mike Smiths post above, make him AD.
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This is too simple to be so hard:
Term #1: $1 million outright for winning the Big 12 title
Term #2: 25% of BCS payout for winning the national title (BCS payout is somewhere around $17 million to $25 million tot he school)
Neither will ever happen but:
1) It makes Leach coach better and SMARTER,
2) Takes pressure off the school’s finances, and
3) Will prove that either Tech or Leach was right!!!
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Myers should add a basketball clause that allows Leach to coach basketball. He could run about four plays and since the defense is already not that great, he would fit right in. Imagine the crowds that he would draw into the USA. Also give Leach a week to go visit people that make 50,000 a year, so he can get a glimpse of reality. Involve him in some sort of endorsement deal with Yao Ming, so that Tech can get billions of new fans. Revenue should not be a problem. Promise to pay Leach in gold, since the dollar is going to tank. Have Leach’s agents spend a week in Bledsoe Hall, so they can see who offspring of real people that pay bills for Tech.
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Leach’s record would be 6-6 every year if he didn’t play Valdosta State Teacher’s College and Slippery Rock every year. Put up against real teams, and real coaches like Houston Nutt tells the tale. Read the tea leaves, it is time for him to go.
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you got it JHMc!! I mean when we get to a bowl we are normally fighting for our lives just to win at the last second! Get a life! What does that tell you people? The coach did not have our team ready to go — just like the freakin Democrats in congress – give him a stimulus and reward mediocrity??!! I think not – not for this insubordinate little turd! He got us here at a better level and it could have gotten even higher, except lawyer Leach started listening to agent money grubbers and so has screwed up a great relationship with Tech. It is 101% Coach Leaches fault, so as the great Terminator put it, Asta La Vista, baby!! Don’t let the door hit you on the way out !!!
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Leach should need to agree to these terms:
1. Stop playing the lawyer card (the story is old)
2. Start playing defense – you have had 9 years to do this
3. Stop acting like beating a #1 team (for the first time) gives you keys to the school (RC Slocum beat two #1 teams in the same year and won the Big 12 Title and was fired a few years later)
4. Improve your non-conference schedule – it is pathetic
5. Win a trophy OUT RIGHT !!!
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This whole matter cries out loudly for mature civility, something we’re seeing little from with regards to all three sides: the university, the coach/agent, and those making comment. I lay no claim to personal perfection myself, as it all chaps me royally also. But somewhere, somehow, the two principles must sit down across the table and with the best interests of the student/athlete in mind, come to an agreement. At least, that’s my take on it!
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Leach.. shut your trap and sign the contract.. you want get another gig like the one you have now.. no one in a BCS conference is stupid enough to hire your crayz a$$…
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Just another ‘chapter’ in why TT will never have a first class athletic program. Another example is Head Basketball Coach Pat Knight – Given the job on His ‘Name’ instead of His qualifications.
So it isn’t going to matter who the football coach is – Almost as bad as the situation in Dallas (Cowboys)………………..
Leach probably thinks He should have been “Coach of the Year” – But actually, all Tech really accomplished last year was ’screwing-up’ the year for UT and Colt McCoy – I beleive someone had a ‘term’ for that one time – “Cockroaches”……………God have mercy on their souls when they play in Austin this year. I will take Texas
and give twenty-one (21)……………………………No Brainer………..
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LJE stop embarrassing yourself. You obviously don’t have a clue.
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It is only ethical to inform your employer when you are looking at another job. His marketing should be his not Tech’s.
We do not need the hayseed from WT in Lubbock. He cannot beat ACU and gives of 93 points. That should tell you somthing.
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Get off of Leach, Do we want another Spike Dykes, the coach that averages 6 wins a year and gives you dumba$$ country sayings when he get his head handed to him and cannot beat North Texas. I hope not.
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Well, now let me think – typical of Hance saying ‘MY’ coach!! He is a self-centered, egomanic – did not know he OWNED the coach. He has always been obscessed with himself, since he ran against George W. Bush back in the early 80’s. LET HANCE GO!!! — There is where the problem started – no matter who the coach is!!!
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The Dallas Morning News reported today on the contact negotiation roadblocks Gerald Meyers is throwing in Mike Leach’s path to force him leave Texas Tech. If Tech allows Leach to leave, this football program will drop to the cellar of the Big 12 South so fast it will make your head spin. I was in school when Steve Sloan left & saw it happen. Tech went from 10-1 to 1-9-1 in 3 short seasons. What Meyers and the Tech administration need to grasp is that Mike Leach is TALENT. As in Hollywood, TALENT gets to do whatever it wants whenever it wants. They are not normal employees. They don’t work for you. You work to keep them happy. They have something their bosses don’t have: TALENT. Athletic directors are easily replaced, not talented head coaches. Why waste your money on a stadium expansion & then let the person leave who makes it a viable project? I believe it’s time for Meyers to retire and Leach should decide who to bring in as the new Athletic Director. And Texas Tech should take the language in Mack Brown and Bob Stoops’ contracts concerning the 4 current sticking points & offer Leach the exact same language. And they should do all this yesterday.
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Except for rights to Leach’s likeness, etc., all of the “additional” contract terms are totally warranted. Leach does more damage to TTU and its recruiting efforts by interviewing every year and not denying rumours that he is seeking other coaching jobs than his having only 2 years remaining on his contract. If Leach cannot commit to the contract, let the current contract play out and let’s see if Leach gets the dream job that he has been waiting for. Getting Leach to sign a contract without substantial penalties for leaving early is the same as having a year to year contract with Leach. Why is everyone so worried about Leach signing a contract that let’s him skip town anytime with minimal penalties. TTU and Leach already have that arrangement.
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I agree with Mike Smith above. I too will not be giving any more money to the university. I supported the stadium expansion among many other programs as an interested alum. This is killing our recruiting for next year and years to come. Leach hasn’t even won The Big 12 South outright. His agents are killing us and making him look bad. If I was another school, I wouldn’t want to hire him because I’d have to deal with his agents.
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“The decision to let Mike’s contract run down to having two years remaining on the term will have disastrous consequences to the Red Raider football program in many areas — that is a threat. Tech should not allow itself to be threatened.
Face it, Leach is a good field coach and decent recruiter. But he is not the “full package.” There is no way to compare him to Mack Brown and Bob Stoops in terms of alumni relations and fund raising.
Leach has been in the market constantly the last few years and has found there is no better market for what his particular talents and weaknesses than Tech.
Mike, delete the provision giving Tech rights to your name. Sign the contract and send it to Tech.
Tech, accept the contract without the naming rights provision.
Otherwise, the relationship is simply to strained to continue, Leach needs to be reassigned, and Tech needs to move on to name an interim replacement and begin to look for a successor.
And Mike, who hires coaches? Could it be athletic directors? What big time athletic director with other options is going to hire a coach whose history shows he is going to be a constant pain in the a** for that athletic director?
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While the coaching drama was unfolding and Leach was attempting to use the circumstances as a stepping stone, Tech lost several highly regarded recruits, including Emory Blake. As the drama continued to Act II, the teamwork took a nosedive after the Oklahoma loss when, simultaneously, Leach’s annual “INTERVIEW BOWL” began, and ultimately the team was unprepared by the coaches in the embarrassing performance in the Cotton Bowl.
Apparently my ideals are old fashioned as I especially agree with Boston College when they say – “We would rather find a new coach than keep a coach who doesn’t want to be here and simply views the university as a stepping stone”.
It is high-time for Leach to either COMMIT or go sail his ship in other waters.
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I support Kent Hance and the University on this one. Kent Hance has Tech’s best interest in mind. Leach, via his agents, has mis-played his hand.
Also, I will continue to send money to the university.
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Let corporate America NFL take over high school & college athletics.
They know how to handle the coaches, owners, fans, etc..
Crabtree and Williams have shown what they think of college athletics. Leach has too for that matter.
Surely Hance and the board have other things to do besides this. Nobody can tell me that they like college football this much. They like the MONEY.
Corporate America free enterprise can take care of this issue for all colleges.
You good conservative republicans should be ready to let it work for all athletics after junior high, maybe 6th grade later on. Get the State and local government out of high school and college athletics!
com’on , it’s the M O N E Y stupid!!
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Well, we had a glimpse of the Big Time and then, as usual, Tech slammed the door shut! I have long thought that the Tech administration can’t stand athletic coaches getting publicity (“we’re a university, not a football factory!”); and Mike Leach getting nationwide publicity makes them squirm. How quickly they forget where much of Tech’s money comes from. If they blow this Tech and Lubbock may as well be permanetely covered up by a duststorm. People all over the country are already laughing at us over this mess. Apparently, some can’t conceive of a university and nationally ranked football and basketball programs existing at the same time. I’ve been following Tech since 1950 and this is not new stuff; it has always been like this. The Tech administration has a small town mentality and probably can’t understand words like change, progress and inovation. How Sad!
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Ya but Leach wants to be paid like Pete Carrol and Stoops, yet he has mediocre results. Never even winning a Cotton Bowl, and he wants some kind of MEGA contract with NO buyout? Talk about cocky.
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I agree with Mike Smith. I pledged 10k to stadium expansion based on Leach ability to put a good or great product on the field and here come Gerald and Kent who seem to want Leach gone. This is exactly why we will never be a top athletic school. I saw this in 70s happen to Carlen who was as good as Leach and now here is the instant replay . Our men and womens bb program is in the gutter as is baseball and Gerald seems to want to get the football program in same situation. But I do thank you for doing this now before 5-31 when I was going to send the expansion check.
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If the regents allow Chancellor Hance to run off Mike Leach, the best football coach Tech has ever had, they will find out from Tech alumni and fans exactly what kind of colossal mistake they have made in allowing Mr. Hance’s enormous, controlling ego to ruin Tech’s terrifically successful football program–but then it will be too late.
The TTU regents would be well advised to rein in the overbearing, over-controlling Chancellor Hance before he runs off Mike Leach the same way he ran off President Jon Whitmore.
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I think that we should Consider what Mike has done for the Program.. For that he deserves more. Per his request Mr. Leach should be named Asst AD for football operations. The part about having to answer only to the Chancellor is not so good.. Leach should have to answer to the AD although it is my opinion the AD should no longer be Gerald Myers.. If leach is not our coach then Myers needs to be fired period… The administration my like him but he will not be received well by the public if Leach does not sign the contract. Leach does need to inform The AD when he is interested in another position.. that’s only right.. but there certainly should be no penalty for a fella wanting to check out possible better opportunities for himself. What if we all had penalty for doing that?…… Also in the buyout.. I’m not saying there should not be one, but 1.5 million is a bit steep… Maybe about $100,000 per year left on contract… If you think about it it’s not in Leach’s best interest to leave.. This is his house… he built it. If he has a few more years like he just had.. .. he can have Myers fired anyway… Myers is a godd ole boy and Leach’s type does not fit in to what he wants.. he would rather have a lesser coach then Leach just so he can be in total control… As far a Leach being fired,,, ain’t going to happen unless he does something stupid of the field.. But the compensation should be at least equal to his last contract… Buttom line again.. if Leach is not our Coach …Myers should be fired.. Make it Work Myers!!!!!!!
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Leach is a good coach, but come on Leach, you haven’t won a Big 12 championship as of yet. A three way tie for first in the BIG 12 SOUTH is good, but it is not an undisputed championship. Now, Coach Myers has a GOOD offer on the table for a great coach rewarding him for a GOOD year. A GOOD year warranted TTU a piece of the BIG 12 south title, but a GREAT year means a solo, numero uno BIG 12 CHAMPIONSHIP. For next season sign the contract, win the BIG 12 SOUTH along with the BIG 12 TITLE and then get your BIG 12 MONEY. You may also have to win the NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP. Don’t toot your own horn yet. Don’t get me wrong folks, Mike is good, but he has to get us in a BCS CHAMPIONSHIP BOWL before he and his agent can start puttIng stipulations on a contract. Just win the BIG ONE.
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SEE YA LEACH !!! Pay him for 2 more years, but in the mean time bring in the Coach in Waiting like Texas and Maryland did. I’m tired of him shopping himself around for every job available. I want someone that wants to be here. Bring in his protege’ (Sonny Dykes), he’ll be a hot name in 2 years anyway.
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well for what leach has done here the contract was fair and is fair.
Win the BIG ONE. THE BIG 12 SOUTH, THE BIG 12 TITLE and a BCS SHOWING……………
SHOW US A BCS GAME AND WE WILL SHOW YOU THE MONEY!!!
AS FAR NOW– YOU ARE FAIRLY COMPENSATED….
THERE IS NOTHING SPECIAL ABOUT WHAT YOU HAVE DONE IN 9 YRS HERE EXCEPT THIS PAST SEASON.. 1 YR DOES NOT MEAN YOU CAN MAKE EXCESSIVE DEMANDS…………….
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Bring in Briles!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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Same ol same ol in Lubbock. Since I moved here in 79 a lot of those football years sucked and chances are that’s where we are heading when Hance and Myers run Leach off. Doesn’t leach fill the stadium every game, that didn’t happen before he got here did it? Isn’t Leach a big part of the stadium expansion? That expansion is going to look stupid half empty when Leach leaves. I think Hance is trying to run Leach off, he knows he (Hance) wouldn’t sign a contract like that and Myers is just unqualified and old and grumpy, he wants to be yes sirred and no sirred. And if Hance and Myers aren’t trying to run Leach off they have to be the worst negotiators I’ve ever seen. It’s been fun Leach, good luck on your next stop. I’m going to miss those game highlights on national TV.
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You can’t say it better than AJ’s comment on Feb, 6th at 4:42 PM.
AJ hit the nail on the head; Fire all of the coaches that are not winnning, and fire anyone who hired these losing coaches. Make Leach the Athletic Director.
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Gerald Meyers…hold firm on the contract and don’t budge! Leach broke the rules and went behind the Universities back. Not only upseting yourself and other members of the University but also the student body and Alum.
He needs to be held accountable for his actions. If he is not then how can he hold the players accountable for theirs. Rules apply to him as well.
I know he doesn’t like the stipulations but he broke the rules by interviewing. He needs to take his lumps and live with what the University offers. It is a great deal. Me…I would have withdrawn the offer a month ago and made him honor the exsisting contract. If he didn’t like it…he could buy his way out. He has been a disgrace to the University since he got there with his off the field antics. Hold true to the deadline…if he is not smart enough to sign then withdraw the offer.
Tech has gotten to the next level now I think it is time to look for new blood that will push Tech over the top!
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If Leach doesn’t sign, it’s a lose lose situation for Tech. So, give Leach what he wants and get over it. Get rid of Myers. He’s a lot of the problem. He’s too old anyway. Do everyone a favor, Myers, and retire.
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Most of you people forget that Meyers brough Leach here. Meyers was the one that forced out the old Defensive coordinator. Meyers is the one who brough Bobby Knight to town. I know most people didn’t like Knight but we went to more NCAA tourneys and had more 20 win seasons in his short term then we did in the history of the basketball team. Meyers built the inflatable domed Athletic facility. He got the new basketball arena built. New football stadium renovations. New baseball stadium deal. New highly touted baseball coach. New womens basketball coach. He just hired a highly touted women volleyball coach. The tennis and Track team coaches were hired by Meyers and they are both top 20 ranked sports now.
Look at everything Meyers has done. He turned the Univerity into a University that people can be excited about with great sports programs. Football is not the only sport. Yes it does bring in the most money but with out the Renovations to the practice field, weight rooms, sports arenas…even Leach would not be able to recruit. He did that before bringing Leach on board and still continues to make sure we have the finest faciliies in the country. I remember what Tech was like before he became the Athletic Director. Trust me…most of you have no clue what Meyers has done especially if you think he needs to go. Do your research before you call for his head. He is the reason we are where we are now. Not Leach. Leach is just one cog in a machine that Meyers built.
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Longhorn Sally your school UT is the joke. We kicked their butts all over Lubbock. I loved every minute of it. Ha Ha Stay on your precious UT website. We don’t need or want you here. Take a hike!
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The word is that Myers and Leach don’t see eye to eye. I’d rather have Leach than Myers.
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I know people are afraid of what will happen if Leach leaves. I am hearing the same comments on here that I heard when Spike Dikes was let go. People were high on him and thought the program would go down hill after his release. There are good coaches out there and when Leach goes…another will come along. Tech will do just fine. The same was true with the coaching changes in the 70’s and early 80’s but a new and exciting coach always came along.
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Before you ask Meyers to go and Leach to stay…do a google search and pull up Leaches record, year by year, since he started at Tech. See if you still want him after that. Most of the top University’s in the country would have let Leach go a long time ago.
How many Big 12 titles has leach won in 9 years?
The answer: 0
Last, if you think he is so good why are no other teams in the country calling. Why doesn’t anyone want him. If he was that good…another school would have taken him out of the great city of Lubbock a long time ago. NFL is not calling either.
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Gerald Caldwell you are a #&%$*&@ IDIOT! I actually think you are Gerald Meyers trying to post as some undercover joker. The fact you would try to give Meyers any credit is an absolute joke and you can’t be taken seriously.
Mike Leach is the best thing that has ever happened to Texas Tech football, and those of you who think you can just plug in some other guy are sadly mistaken. Not only has he turned the program around on the field but he has also cleaned up the off the field issues. TT now leads the conference in graduation rates, that shouldn’t be overlooked.
As a basketball guy Meyers is just jealous of the success of Leach and the football program. He knows he doesn’t have much time left at Tech and wants to wreck Leach before he leaves. He doesn’t even care what happens to the football program as long as he can take Leach down. He should worry more about how to get more than 300 people in the stands for the basketball teams.
We just had the best season and the biggest win and arguably one of the greatest plays in the history of college football that even won the university $100,000 for scholarships. The fact of the matter is that Texas Tech is now relevant and the fact this is even a discussion proves that. Meyers trying to force Leach out would be devastating to TT football and I’ll hold off on writing my checks to the school. It’s time for Gerald to hit the road and get someone young in who actually cares about what the future of the program holds.
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Your intitled to your opinion but I work with several NFL players and sports presonalities that will disagree with you. His record speaks for itself.
If you think that Leach is the greatest then I think you need to look no further then the mirror for the idiot!
You think I don’t know what the team did this year. One year in 9 and that is what you are basing everything on? And you call me an idiot! Please…get a clue!
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Why do you people think he is forcing him out! He put the stipulations in the contract because he broke the rules and interviewed with Washington without premission. Get your facts straight before you write something!!!
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Raising a coaches salary from 1.7 to 2.5 is not running a coach out!
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Caldwell, I don’t have to do a google search on all the past football records. I have kept up with what has happened at Tech ever since I graduated from there many years ago. I still want him to stay. I’ll ask you, ” How many conference championships has Tech ever won?” I just know that Tech football has been more exciting lately than it has ever been to me. Maybe you like having a ho hum football team. I don’t. Maybe he hasn’t left Lubbock because he likes it there. He says he does. I agree with ExRed RaiderBaller. By the way Caldwell, I graduated from Tech and, I have kept up with everything thats been happening there ever since. I am not some dummy as you implied.
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Your right his record does speak for itself Gerald, thank you for making my argument. The facts are that Leach has the 3rd best record in the Big 12 during the nine years he has been at Tech. To go along with that Tech has won 4 of 6 bowls beating teams from Pac 10, ACC, Big 10….. It’s unreasonable to think that Tech can win Big 12 titles year in year out competing with the tradition and resources that make up OU and Texas. With that said they do compete each and every year, and to have a season like this every 3-4 years would be great considering what Tech has to go through and against big picture. Anyone who expects more than that needs to take a step back and remember we are Texas Tech…. Look at what’s happened to mens and womens basketball, a bad year or two and Tech stadium is back to the 30,000 crowds before Leach took over. Stop hiding behind your so called NFL people and sports personalities, if your looking for credit bc you’re some groupie then start naming names.
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I don’t disagree with you. The high powered offense makes the team a primetime spectacle and one that networks want to put on the air. Meyers had done everything to keep Leach at Tech. Leach just broke the rules and Meyers ammended the contract.
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I’ll bet you didn’t graduate from Tech, Caldwell. So you work with several celebrities and sports figures. Who cares? I guess you think you are pretty special. You don’t impress me, just yourself, I suppose.
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He broke rules by visiting Washington??? Gimme a break. All he did was explore options because the school he has put his heart and soul into turned it’s back on him when he even braught up an extension. Plus Meyers sent an email giving him permission to seek other alternatives. If they would have stepped up a year ago and offered the extension he deserved he wouldn’t have had to look into other schools. Meyers claimed he wanted to wait until after the season and it ended up biting him in the arse. He did what any reasonable human being would do when your school is acting like they have no intrest in rewarding you for your successes. Gundy, Pinkle, and Mangino all had schools step up and reward them right away without even asking when they sniffed a winning season or two. Meyers and his superiors should be ashamed of themselves that it has even come to this.
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Mark -
about yourcomment of Tech going from 10-1 to 1-10 few yrs after Steve Sloan left. You’ll remember Coach Carlen had done a great job at Tech and left in a rift with former AD J T King. But when he left he left behind a well-stocked and coached football team. That made Sloan’s tenure easy to build on. However, Mr Sloan and staff were good coaches, but mediocre recruiters. He took the Ole Miss job just a few yrs later as he left us without much in the cupboard as far as good athletes go. Your are right in that the Tech program went into a slide as we went to a series of just avg or below avg coaches and the NCAA had not yet adopted the team limit rules of 81 players (or whatever) which started providing much parity. When we got Spike to be head coach he stopped the bleeding and basically slowly rebuilt the system to a much higher status. And, true, the pirate has elevated it another notch. Exactly where that is just yet I am unsure, but I sure as hell don’t see it going down anytime soon. Too good of an overall program! What year was it anyway in the 80’s I believe that TECH won the SWC championships all in the SAME YEAR in football, men’s basketball, and baseball?
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Just discuss a lot of football and follow the team. I just want people to start backing their facts! Show me where Meyers has tried to run Leach off. Show me this impressive record of Leach that he should be making 2.5 million a year.
His style of football has brought in a lot of TV dollars. Win or lose it doesn’t matter as long as they keep getting the TV games. When the leach excitement wears off…he will be gone because his record is not good enough to keep him. His offense was exposed this year and so it is going to be even harder for him to win games. Another year like this year then your probably going to be disappointed. Tech had a lucky year. If it wasn’t for one play in the Texas, Nebraska and Nevada games…Tech would have been 7-5. That is more realistic and representative of the team that played Ole Miss.
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I believe you are right Mark.
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Or is it Flash Light.
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Now that I have chopped Gerald up into pieces who else wants some? I come with facts and reality, and the reality is this whole situation puts what makes up Texas Tech into perspective. With the people leading this school it’s no wonder we will always be second rate to the OU’s and UT’s of the world. I am ashamed to be a Red Raider when the single good thing we have going for our school is being tarnished by a bunch of washed up has beens who can’t get out of the way of their own egos. The fact of the matter is, this isn’t about Mike Leach and this isn’t about Gerald Meyers. This should be about the university and whats best for the program, and the powers that be have lost sight of that and as a result Texas Tech once again looks foolish.
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Caldwell, I think you are out numbered. The real raiders I know want Leach to stay. So, you think his record wasn’t good enough for him to stay. A lot of real raider fans will disagree with you.
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I don’t need to show you anything, Caldwell. You should be able to read Techs football records from the past. You can read, I hope. Maybe all the hobnobbing with the celebrities has cloulded your brain. What did you say you did for the celebrities? Shine their shoes was it?
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This whole ordeal is nothing but a matter of Greed. That is why our country is in the shape it is now. Do we want to make it worse?
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Terry, I’m afraid that’s what the world is coming to. We are just one small part of it.
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these are the problems and solutions to the current problems:
P: Tech reduces the guaranteed income due Leach should it dismiss him.Leach’s current deal ensured he’d be paid $3.6 million of a guaranteed income of $9 million. In the new proposal, he would receive $1.5 million from guaranteed income of $11.1 million.
S: this should be thrown out all together or should be amended. its understood that TTU would lkeprotectionon their investment but 1.5 is a little outlandish and hopefully was not considered what it was, a slap in the face.this is the one area where i think the measuring sticks are out and need to put away. the agents are not scott boras(a- hole of the century) and TTU is not UT or OU level…yet.
P: Tech increases Leach’s buyout clause from the current flat $500,000 if he leaves Tech to $300,000 per year for each year remaining on his deal. O’Hagan, noting that could add up to as much as $1.5 million on a five-year deal, called the clause “among the highest in the Big 12 Conference.”
S: this is being a overly caustious and is a huge stumbling block. it needs to be set at or around 600-750 range.
P: Tech inserted a requirement Leach ask permission before interviewing for other jobs. If he interviews for another job without informing Tech, he can be fired for cause and subject to a penalty clause of $300,000 per year for the remaining contract term. There are no such stipulations in Leach’s current contract.
S: permission should not have to be granted, notification should though. this would sift the garbage rumors from the reality. if there is a better job take it, said clauses in place for a reason. and there is always a new young coach out there every year. just let us be prepared if your going window shopping or going on a spree.
P: Finally, according to O’Hagan, Leach must “assign over to the university and its agent, Learfield Sports, all rights to his name and identity, so that the university can sell Mike’s time and the use of his name and identity to third parties
S: This is just absurd i understand what theyre trying to do but the timing is all wrong. although it would make sense for both monetary wise it has no place at this table.
end analysis: we are at that fine line of point of no return and job well done. in reguards to some earlier statements; there was cause for concern when dykes left not because losing a great coach but because lubbock is so conservative its scared of change. second there are no current rules in place in restirtion of seeking out a vacany. pride was hurt because a common courtesy was not taken. and while myers has done some outstanding things most can be tied back to the hire of booby knight and mike leach. but what good are the done deeds if you just do something to negate them. TTU football is at a stage where it will flourish or flounder and alot hinges on what they do here. leach is a great coach and reguardless of what you say about his record or schedule he has done a great job of building this program( coach dykes didnt leave us with much either and the timing with his outing was right on if not a year too late) and seeing this recruiting class is asking for faith from the school to trust he can thrust us into national prominence. we took a chance on him as head coach and with the exception of our record against texas have been rewarded. its time for another leap and this time we will be rewarded with that constant contender status in the national limelight. my contract is up in a year and id be willing to step in for either one.
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Yes, raiderforever I want Leach to stay, but not at all cost. He’s got some blame to go around here and he isn’t God. Contrary to what you think!
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ExRedRaiderballer is right on target. Obviously Gerald is one of the good ol boys that never liked Leach because he took ol Spikes job—lest we forget Spike never won squat here—in 13 years. Tech NEVER won the SWC in football-they tied for it with 2-3 other teams only because A&M was on probation – and lost a squeeker to USC in the Cotton Bowl–for those of you- like Gerald- that hate Leach you will probably prevail and Leach will be gone so you can be happy as you sit in the stadium with your 25-28000 friends like it was before Leach–you will have your one sell out game every year . Thanks Hance Thanks Meyers you have once again proven the good ol boys are a real credit to Tech when it comes to stepping up our athletic program.
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Well, money talks. So I’m going to hold off on sending this year’s Red Raider Club donation & hold off renewing season tickets until I see how Tech’s administration handles this. If Gerald Myers is not asked to resign & is given free reign to drive the men’s football program into the same toilet that he’s already sent the women and mens’ basketball programs, I’ll keep my money from now on. I suspect I won’t be alone in this.
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Watchdog I never said Leach was God and, I never said he was blameless. I just know the football program is getting better than it has been in years and, I like it. Mark, I agree with you on the fact that both the girls and the boys basketball have gone downhill. What you said about money talking is so true. I have seen that all my life and, I still see it.
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If Myers….not Meyers….did not like Leach, he would have fired him already. As AD why support someone you don’t like. It makes your job hard, and it stresses you out. Coach Myers is not the type that will be bullied or work under stress. He has put together a good package for Leach. What other options does Leach want in the contract offer besides the 2.5 million dollars. The football program was never in bad shape before Leach. Spike Dykes did a good as coach, and there hasn’t been in major changes in the program as far as wins and losses. Tech hasn’t won a BIG 12 championship or has it been in a BCS bowl. The only difference is the offense putting up huge numbers and a little national attention. We are still playing in the Cotton Bowls, Alamo Bowls, and Holiday Bowls. I really don’t see why all the HATE towards Myers. At least he has made an offer that is more than reasonable for a coach that has yet to win anything major. Marsha Sharpe was deserving of that kind of money. She won conference championships and a NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIP.
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Leach is a guy that has spent the last few years loving his job and hating his boss. How many of us can relate to that from anything in our past? He asked for a new contract last year and Gerald told him he understood if he had to look for more money elsewhere.
I have a handsome gold watch to give Gerald for his retirement….lets put him to pasture and get this soap opera over.
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I can’t believe so many of you techheads actually think Leach is a good coach.
As for me, get Art Briles on the phone.
1. he can coach
2. he can recruit
3. he loves Tech
4. he will never bittch and moan about his contract
5. see above
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Gerald Caldwell, you are definaltely an idiot! You say get your facts straight before writing something, well here you go;
- You say after the 70’s that a coach always came along – WRONG! After Sloan, we got Rex Dockery (the start of our program decline), then, the same AD (who was a 3A football coach from Snyder, TX – (he was out of his league), running a Div. 1 athletic program), hired Jerry Moore, who went 1-9-1 my freshman year at Tech. Jerry never won more than 4 games per year, while at Tech, (Jerry was also in over his head).
- You say that Myers has done something spectacular in hiring the Womens B-ball coach (Curry) – she sucks and has tore down everything that Marsha Sharp built. I would have already fired her by now, if I was the AD.
- You say Leach is just another COG in the wheel? Are you FREEKING kidding me? Here are the facts; Leach is ave. 8 wins per year (Spykes best year was an 8 win season); No Other former Football Coach (or COG as you call it), has ever won 11 games in one season; You say that 1 yr in 9 is not worth keeping him; Leach has NEVER had a losing season while at TECH!!! Tell me what other COG can say that? (you moron)
- You say all Leach has done is taken us to the Cotton, Holiday and Alamo bowls; Let me tell you something buster – Leach has taken us to 3 New Years Day bowls, in addition to the Holiday bowl ; Before the Leach era the other COGS took us to the Independene bowl, and the All American bowl – and we condsidered that a successfull season.
- You say that Leach ought to go, because he hasn’t won a Conference championship? There are 8 major conferences with about 4 other minor conferences; There ARE only 111 Div.1 football programs and there can only be 12 conf. champions; Should the other 99 football teams fire their coaches?? (you moron)
- You say the Leach is lucky and should be 7-5, and that he should not get credit for being 11-2? What about the years when the bad breaks did go his way and he had 8 wins and those 8 win seasons would have been 10 win seasons; It goes both ways.
- You make it sound like we never had a bowl drought and that things were always rosie at Tech. Let me tell you something, I went to Tech when our best year was 4-7; Tech went from 1978 to 1985 without a bowl trip, from 1986 to 1999 Tech went to 7 or 8 bowl games; Since Leach has arrived; Tech has gone to a bowl game every YEAR!!!
- Why don’t you get the FACTS before you write something; Better yet Why don’t you get a CLUE!!!!
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formerraider – Get your facts Straight; there is nothing wrong with going to the Cotton Bowl, it is a New Years day bowl (all New years day bowls, the Holiday and the Alamo have good payouts). The Alamo bowl has a 2.5 mil. payout, the Cotton and Holiday have more. You can say what you want, but these non-BCS payouts help fund the other sports. Tech has received more $$ from bowl payouts than from any other coach in Tech history. I like Spyke, but he only took us to ONE new years day bowl in his 13 yrs at Tech, while Leach has taken us to three plus the Holiday in his 9 yrs.
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TRB you are so right. I can remember all those years after Jim Carlen left. It went downhill for years. This is the first year in history that Tech has sold all its season tickets. That brings in money for the program. If Leach leaves, this will be like when Jerry Jones let his ego get the best of him and fired Jimmie Johnson. Switzer had a couple of years riding on Johnson’s coat tail. The cowboys have been lifeless ever since. I want the Tech program to move forward, no regress.
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should be not regress
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Gerald Myers is single-handedly leading Texas Tech revenue sports back into the dark ages from which he emerged. But, let’s not forget to give a great big assist to the administration, including the buffoons on the Board, who are failing in their jobs by not firing him immediately. It appears that a criterion to be appointed as a Tech Regent is either to have had a lobotomy or to agree to get one as soon as the appointment is announced. What would you expect a stinkin’ aggie governor to do but to appoint the weakest candidates to the Tech board in order to increase the chances that a&m will eventually catch and pass Tech?
FIRE MYERS – NOW!!!!!
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JHMc, please go back and review Tech’s bowl record prior to Leach and then see what it is with Leach…and say the same thing. Please do that.
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TRB is the man!! His analysis is right on the money!!
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TRB IS DEAD ON. “THE MORON IS NOT FROM TECH” HE HAS NOT SUFFERED THROUGH THE TERRIBLE SEASONS WE HAVE.
SIGN LEACH TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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I don’t understand how a “coach of the year” is offered a contract with the 4 adendums (sp) currently on the table. Myers and Knight are buddies and I don’t remember Knight getting reprimanded for seeking the Ohio State job when employed by Tech. While I am disturbed Leach flirted with the Miam/UW jobs, it is not unusual in today’s times for you or I to look for greener pastures. After Leach’s first bowl game which Tech lost, the Raiders have won or been competitive in every bowl game since then. That cannot be said for all of Tech’s previous coaches. So the agents went straight to the regents. Why? The offer on the table is horribly worse than the current contract ! What would you do? What does establishing a deadline do? I will not list all of Leach’s accomplishments here. But I see the head pirate hoisting the sails out of Lubbock after next year. For all you Briles cheerleaders he won’t be coming or consider leaving until he gets Baylor stabilized. Even so , who is going to want to come to Tech after seeing how Leach has been treated?
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Why wouldn’t and shouldn’t Leach explore other opportunities when that weasel Myers refused to deliver an extension for months after Leach requested one? Good gosh, it was the coach who was initiating the process of getting his contract resolved. Myers is a conniving little sneak who hates being overshadowed by anyone else. You fans better wake up and see that he is dragging down the athletic programs at Tech, and the rest of the conference is loving it.
For those fans who think Art Briles would do any good, you’re mistaken. The only reason that guy was brought to Tech in the first place was to get an inside track on getting his kid to play at Tech. The bum couldn’t even deliver the one recruit he was hired to get; his own kid wouldn’t play for him at Tech.
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I’ve been stewing on this all weekend. And I’ve read everything that is available about the situation. As an alum, I both love Tech and get what the school is trying to accomplish and at the same time really think that having Leach stay is truly the best possible scenario. What I see is the university basically saying “We already gave you a really damn good offer. But you want more. Alright fine! But now that the offer is beyond good – we want something back in exchange.” And for the most part, what they are asking for, in theory, should benefit everyone involved. (for the reasons already stated by many) After absorbing everything – and really stepping back for a second to consider it – I think Leach would be a fool not to jump on this offer exactly as it is presented. It’s an incredible offer by any standard. In direct comparison to what he’s accomplished in all facets for the university – it’s more than fair. In direct comparison to not only other coaches in the Big 12, but all college coaches – it’s just a great offer and one that should be embraced. Does anyone on this blog think that Mike is getting ripped off? Seriously? Somebody please write a well thought out essay on the what Mike sacrifices as compared to what he gains, and then give a reasonable argument as to why Tech is not reasonable at this point. Honestly, what the hell is he really giving up? Small price to pay for the benefits received if you ask me. Tech would surely benefit by keeping him on board, but at the same time, surely Mike understands that the deal being offered is fairly exceptional even with the clauses left intact. So, while I am a Leach supporter and want him to be happy and stay put – it’s time for him to get a friggen’ grip and put this puppy to bed. If he doesn’t end up understanding how fortunate he is to have a chance to sign such a great deal – my lasting impression will be that maybe he isn’t as smart as I’ve always thought he is.
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TRB you are absolutely right about the past bowl games. However, Tech still hasn’t been to a BCS BOWL. The bowl games that Mike “coached teams” has participated in aren’t that much different than Spike “coached teams” bowl games. Neither has coached in a BCS bowl game. The only thing that is different is the money being paid out.
Now , for the money and whatever contract stipulation that Mike wants is not relative until he win the BIG 12. There is nothing wrong with the current offer. While Leach shops around after the end of each season, it seems someone is calling his bluff. If Leach has any reservations about coaching football at Tech it would be in his best interest to leave so he isn’t miserable at the end of each season. I am a Red Raider and I want to see this whole thing worked out. But, I am a loyal Gerald Myers guy that has always believed in his abilities to do the right thing, and it seems he wants to keep Leach at Tech with the offer. The ball is in Leachs’ court. Can you imagine coaching for 12.5 million dollars over the next 5 years.
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Lots of good football prospects in the Houston area are reading these headlines:
What are the odds Mike Leach will bolt Lubbock the next chance he gets?
(story)
I would say those odds are quite good. The Texas Tech administration has bungled this one from the start.
It it thinks it really can keep Leach from talking with other schools, interviewing elsewhere, while bigger, more prominent football powers cannot get away with it, the Tech adiminstration is fooling itself.
On the one hand, you have a coach that has flirted with other head coaching opportunities — as you or I would — but never left.
He likes Tech. It just won’t be where he finishes his career — you know it, I know it and Tech knows it.
You simply cannot handcuff him to his desk.
On the other hand, you have an administration that has refused to budge on contract verbiage that would restrict Leach from even interviewing elsewhere.
That’s just stupid. It’s frankly un-American.
And, worse, it’s alienating the guy that Tech so desperately wants to keep.
The strategy has backfired … frankly, I’d bet a pretty good price that Leach is gone after next season, if not before …
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Scarlet & Black, GM was right to delay for the following reasons…
When offering that kind of money and long term commitment you need to see what you have sort of in the bank. Tech is not the federal government. Point 1 Season ticket sales. Tech needed to see how sales would go with the increases in prices (fan willingness to pony up). Point 2 Tech needed to finalize the expansion to bring in the needed money (capability to pay increase). Point 3 Tech thought that the football had a chance for a great season and thus that would help backers and thus the Coach to get what they would like to pay. I don’t think Tech wants to under pay, but they need to be carefull on behalf of the University they are bound to serve to not overpay and cause harm to the rest of the university.
After reading comments and the history of all this I agree this is generous and Leach would not be smart passing this up and not signing ASAP! come on Coach SIGN – P_L_E_A_S_E_!!!!!
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devin everett your wrong. Just look at College Station and A&M where and who were they before 1970’s? Look at Penn State they are in the middle of no-where as well in between Pittsburgh and Philly, yet they are successfull. Don’t sell West Texas and Lubbock short.
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w.d., not selling either short, love them both……..reality does not have anything to do with my or your love for the town or region or school. to put it in the words of a star receiver that almost went to tech and choose ut instead, “my choice to go to texas was like choosing between a hummer and a s10 pickup”
the product that has been on the field for tech the last 9 years has inspired the students and alums. when i was there we were lucky to have 12-18 thousand attend a game on a pretty day in lubbock. look at the crowds and the national attention now…….any step away from leach is a step backwards……..
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Texas Tech University has an eccentric head football coach.
He has a pirate fascination, a law degree, coached in Finland early in his career, never played college football, and, as icing on the cake of oddity, is represented by International Marketing Group!! He also, as is apparent by his actions, has a very high opinion of himself, e.g., he has an agent, IMG. He likes to solicit offers from other schools and be courted, as well, by other schools. “I am available”, he seems to scream after every football season. Truth be told, no one wants him, not at the money he is being offered by Texas Tech, his employer, who should be told when he jets off to “interview” with another school. This is common courtesy. Another Mike Leach oddity or eccentricity if you prefer? He’s not polished in the least.
Sign the contract, Mike.
Myers says the contract is being withdrawn on February 17th. If Myers and the administration stick to their guns and the 17th passes without a reworked contract and extension, so be it!! If two more years of Mike Leach is what Tech gets, great. I am happy with Tech football and the great success. But I am unhappy with a coach who does not act like he wants to be in Lubbock for the long haul. “Thanks for all you did, Mike. Don’t let the door hit you in the arse.”
Here is the truth about the situation we fans find ourselves in: Texas Tech University and fans of the football program need not worry about Mike Leach taking a Head Coaching job with another academic institution. He WILL NOT be hired by another academic institution as Head Coach because he is an eccentric, monotone savant. No other institution will hire him because they will not put up with the Train Wreck that transpires every time he addresses the media and/or fans at different Tech functions where he is a guest. What matters most is his obvious ability to communicate with his players. No question he does this very effectively. Texas Tech University puts up with his pathetic communication skills with the media because he wins lots more than he loses. But there comes a point where the rubber meets the road. This has dragged on and on and on and we lost a recruit to Auburn, I am told, because of this circus. We are at that point. The rubber has met the road. The money is right but four stipulations in the contract are not?
Bullcrap. Sign the contract, Mike.
Or, on second thought, don’t sign the contract. Sonny Dykes will be ready to assume the head coaching helm in two years. Art Briles wouldn’t be a bad choice either. He’s been ready for years and years.
If only Gerald Myers were the mirror of Gene DeFillipo at Boston College. Gerald probably wants to be like DeFillipo but our administration does not have the balls to allow him to be. How sad if my theory is true.
Sign the contract, Mike or, goodbye in two years. Your choice. You can go be a coordinator somewhere or go practice law or go hang out with your fellow savants or sign the contract making you the 3rd highest paid football coach in the Big 12 and a top 15 paid coach in the country.
The worst thing to happen after this sideshow has played itself out? When Leach exits Lubbock, Tech will find someone who is happy to coach at Texas Tech for his entire career. Clarity of thought and the ability to focus when speaking to large crowds will also be a plus in Tech’s next head coach.
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Bender; it is clear that you and Myers are tight. Tell Myers to get onto this blog and speak for himself; instead of having his golf buddies do it for him. Ps: tell myers hello, next time you two round the club house for the back nine.
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formerraider;
1). the contract meltdowns are not about money; once you and Bendre realize this; along with myers and hance; then maybe these talks might go somewhere.
2). Comparing Spyke and Leach in the same Bowl games (i.e. the Alamo and Cotton bowls); They do not have the same accomplishments; Leach keeps these games close, and Spyke didn’t. Leach lost to Iowa in the Alamo Bowl by 3 pts. and Spyke got blown out by Iowa; Leach lost to Alabama by 3 and at least had a chance to come back against Ole Miss in the Cotton Bowls; Spyke got BLOWN out by USC and never had a chance in his cotton bowl.
YOU WILL ALWAYS HAVE A CHANCE TO WIN, WITH A WINNER; LEACH IS A WINNER!!!
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Great comments by Bender
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Miss Dixie,
You, madam, are an idiot to take one word uttered by Kent Hance and then hearken back to a congressional race he ran against GWB.
Don’t overthink. It’s dangerous
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DE, that S10 may be on the circuit while the hummer is in the garage. Think again which will be better? Just look at what Herbie accomplished for the little ol’ VW bug! ;-)
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After reading these heavyly commented threads Leach is accomplishing one thing here…..dividing the Red Raider family. After all it was Leach who first spoke of the 4 items. And with-out an outcome of him siging the family will be fractured and will remain so. Good for A&M I guess.
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W..D. my point is leach is a good fit for tech and tech for leach, each have their downfalls………atm will never be ou or ut either, even though location and money is not an issue. they have been stuck in a 1950’s offense since sherill and that just does not work anymore. now they do not have the players to compete……they wasted one of the best high school qb’s i have ever seen…..
i agree with the fracture commit, and both need to get together and settle it.
we are herbie every year, but herbie runs out of gas every year while the hummers-ou & ut just fill up and go ON TO win…THE REASON IS, THEY ARE 3 DEEP WITH 4&5 STAR PLAYERS AND WE HAVE 4-5 OF THE FAB 55 ON THE WHOLE STARTING TEAM!!!!
now, the 08 season brought some national attention, leach’s offense has been consistantly on top of the ncaa and that has put us in the position to get the 4-5 star receivers and qb’s, but we cannot win with just offense……….
i really like this years class of recruits and hope we sure up the defense.
tt-65
n.dakota-10
tt-55
rice-14
tt-60
houston-21
tt-45
new mexico-21
tt-70
kstate-10
tt-21
nebraska-24
tt-35
atm-14
tt-42
kansas-28
tt-17
texas-41
tt-42
osu-38
tt-21
ou-28
tt-21
baylor-20
9-3 not bad in this conference after losing crab, elf, harrell and the offensive line…….
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Part A: I have some questions about this situation and they are economic and accounting in nature.
Part B: I have some opinions regarding the situation.
___________________________________________________
PART A:
First Question: “Given the success that TT’s football program achieved during Coach Leach’s tenure have those accomplishments translated into a REAL economic benefit (in dollars and cents*) to the University?
If the answer to that question is yes, then the next question should be….
Second Question: “If Coach Leach and TT’s football team were to continue to succeed over, say the next five years, would the economic benefit grow, and if so by how much?
If the answer to this question is yes then the next question has to be….
Question Three: “Is the amount of money and terms which Coach Leach has been asking for in his contract, are they worth more money than what Texas Tech should receive over the next 5 years?”
If the answer to that question is yes, then give him the money he wants. Don’t be penny wise and pound foolish. If the answer is no then stick to your guns.
*By the way, I’m sure the Ralls School of Business has the necessary expertise to quickly estimate how much Texas Tech has monetarily benefited from Coach Leach’s success.
___________________________________________________
PART B:
Mr. Myers, the AD, is a good man and someone I respect and admire but he has to know, that you can’t contractually mandate loyalty from an employee.
Coach Leach, has a unique situation here in Lubbock. If he stays and continues to succeed at Tech he could eventually have a relationship with the people of this city like Joe Paterno has at Happy Valley, PA or Paul “Bear” Bryant had at Tuscaloosa, AL. But Coach Leach has to want to stay we can’t make him stay, especially with threats of firing. It only makes the University and its’ administration look petty and vindictive. And if Leach does leave it will make hiring the best possible replacement much more difficult.
Let’s be honest, Texas Tech does not have the tradition of greatness that Texas and Oklahoma currently enjoy. However, I believe a tradition of excellence can be built here in terms of both teams and players. This process will be long and exceedingly difficult but the first and most important thing needed is the Head Coach. I feel Leach is that man for TT he is the cornerstone to the future and the University is on its way to having that tradition. With Leach at the helm TT could eventually become a Division I, “Quarterback U” like USC is known as “Tailback U” even though their last two Heisman Trophy winners were QB’s.
All this is predicated on Leach staying at Tech. If he leaves then we should all wish him well and thank him for the all the great things he achieved here, but he’s here now and we should do everything possible to keep in Lubbock.; just so long as it makes economic sense.
One last thing: if TT ever won the National Championship in football, given its history of mediocrity, it would top the 1969 Mets as the most incredible long shot for a championship in history. Keeping that point in mind, Coach Leach should be demanding a bonus of at least $5 Million and not a penny less.Currently, he only wants $1 Million. TO CHEAP COACH, TO CHEAP!!! You need to ask for more, a lot more….
The current “National Championship” bonus being offered by the administration is only $250,000. I find that figure not only insulting to the coach but also to the people of Lubbock for such a tremendous accomplishment. Imagine the joy and happiness of the people to have TT reach the “Top of the Mountain.” It would rival the celebration that Boston threw when the Red Sox won the series and that was some party. I should know I lived in the Boston area at the time.
If you want great things, truly great things to happen you have to give outstanding incentives. It’s as simple as that.
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Well said…. Pay the man already!
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Personally they should give leach the extension that he wants and deserves!!! At the same time I think that leach should not under any circumstances if he stays keep scaring us every year by interviewing with other teams (especially in the middle of the season). Now onto Gerald Meyers, personally I know he is arrogant and not as smart as he thinks and others might. This guy(meyers) would roll out the red carpet if it was bob knight because he is a basketball guy. He rolled out the red carpet and gave knight 10 times more than he deserved or ever earned for that matter including knights contract extension which we are still paying along with his son and to make matters worse knight will be on the georgia payroll possibly soon and ours
at the same time!! Meyers gives pat the job in bobs extension and pat has never been a head coach before and as tech fans we are suffering because of that bull s##t move!! Now you have a coach who has been succesfull every year he has been here and taking us to almost powerhouse level and you say you cant pay him what he wants seriously gerald pull your head out !!!! you see when i go to football games every week the place is packed and on national t.v. and winning 90% of the time and your precious knight investment is on local t.v cussing out students that dont come watch his pathetic basketball team play!! Please do this matter justice, swallow your pride and keep the raider nation happy!!
KEEP COACH LEACH!!!!!!
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Another day and Gerald Myers is still the AD at Texas Tech. Hance, are you asleep at the switch? Give the old coot his walking papers & let’s get this winner coach signed.
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anyway to mail Meyers? God the students at Tech should be hounding this guys office with emails etc etc….I mean if you lov Tech football you know why they have had success…regardless if you think he shouldnt have visited other schools, its abobut winning and w/o Leach things get really scary….I love winning, Leach is why we win, Keep Leach, pay him whatever he wants. Period.
Common Meyers
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I think Myers is not happy with Leach and his agents; because Leach’s agents have asked that Leach become asst. AD of Football, (to be over the football operations). This probably made Myers mad and so being, Myers put the 4 clauses in the contract and the deadline, knowing Mike won’t sign it.
Myers will never fire Pat Knight because of his relationship with Bob Knight.
So here is the deal – Myers will keep Pat Knight (even if he loses every year) and he will run off Mike Leach.
There has got to be a way, to revise one of the clauses from; “must have permission” to “Myers must be notified”.
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What happened between April and December? Why didn’t Tech extend Coach’s contract when he asked for it in April? Where was Tech’s loyalty to Leach? What were they holding out for? What do they want, blood? Leach has been first class all the way.
Good luck Coach. We’ll miss you. Tell Myers and his cronies to take a hike. They should bone up on Negotiating 101.
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i’m sick of this, both have issues……..
meyers give mike 15 million for 5 years
mike give meyers a no compete clause which includes all d-1 schools…
meyers give mike 1 million for each national championship he wins.
mike give meyers buyout clause of 500k
meyers give mike a all guaranteed contract-no dismal
sign it-fix it
quit screwing with the raider nation
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Get ready Tech fans……….. we’re going to be back at 25-35 thousand fans in the stadium watching a mediocre team in the future.
Don’t ever think it isn’t about money……. I said it before in another blog and I’ll say it again…… not hearsay, not opinion…… fact…… if it were not for the money our football team …. ( of which Mike Leach has happened to be the coach)…. we would not have embarked on the facilities expansions, brought in lots of money to the economy of Lubbock, raised the season ticket prices and FILLED THE STADIUM FOR TEAMS LIKE SE LA, NW LA, UTAH ST. SMU and UTEP…. that’s right 51 thousand fans for those games instead of the 25 -35k in the 80’s and 90’s.
Let’s all remember it is not Myers money, it is not Hance’s money and heck it isn’t even Tech’s money…. it is our money the FANS and supporters of the program that generates the dollars!
It IS about money….. pure economics and don’t be foolish enough to think it isn’t.
Period!
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