Mike Leach Hired As Washington State Coach

News9.com

PULLMAN, Washington -- Former Oklahoma offensive coordinator Mike Leach has verbally agreed to be the head coach of the Washington State Cougars just a day after Paul Wulff was relieved of his duties, the school announced Wednesday.

Leach was previously employed as the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, before being fired during the 2009 season amid controversy involving wide receiver Adam James. The self-called "pirate" led the Red Raiders to unprecedented success, going 76-39 in his nine seasons, including a 5-8 bowl record and six consecutive eight-win seasons.

Before Leach's tenure in Lubbock, Texas, the Red Raiders had completed just 15 eight-win seasons in the previous 83 years.

The Cougars have been a bottom-dweller in the Pac-12 in recent history under Wulff. In four seasons Washington State has managed just nine wins and 40 losses, and just four conference wins in that time.

Leach is currently engaged in a lawsuit with ESPN due to their coverage of the controversy with James, and as part of the Pac-12, Washington State's television contracts deal with Fox Sports Network.