Texas Tech fires head coach Mike Leach

Leach was fired for the treatment of an injured player

“I don’t believe Leach should have been fired. There are more aggressive coaches in college football…”

Texas Tech fired their football coach, Mike Leach, after he sued the school about his suspension from the team. Leach would have received $800,000 bonus in his contract. Texas Tech suspended Leach from coaching the Red Raiders against the Michigan State Spartans in the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio, TX.

The controversy arose when Leach sent WR Adam Jones into a shed during practice because Jones had a mild concussion. Leach apparently said he would kick Jones off the team if he left the shed. Texas Tech said if Leach did not apologize, in writing, by December 28, he would be fired. Leach refused to do so and so Texas Tech took action and suspended Leach. Then, Leach sued the school looking to coach his team in the Alamo Bowl. Texas Tech fired Leach due to “a defiant act of insubordination.” Defensive Coordinator, Ruffin McNeill, will coach the team in the Alamo Bowl on Saturday. Players have since come out and said that Leach has been abusive with players before. The controversy will play-out well into 2010.

I don’t believe Leach should have been fired. There are more aggressive coaches in college football that may have done worse things. Leach is just one of the few to get caught. Sure, the situation could have been managed better. Leach shouldn’t have made Jones sit in a shed one time and an electrical closet the next. There are better places to send atheletes with concussions. Whether this takes place at other schools, high school or college, or even with NFL teams, we will find out.

Last February, Leach signed a 5-year contract extension with Texas Tech.