November 8, 2007

Mike Leach could be top candidate at UCLA

The Houston Chronicle breaks down Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach's prospects as the potential #1 candidate at UCLA.

Leach has flirted with other jobs in the past, including an interview for the University of Miami job last offseason, and there is speculation Pirate Mike could be a candidate if Karl Dorrell is fired at UCLA.

Leach, who is from California and went to law school at Pepperdine, is believed to have interest in returning to the West Coast. In 2006, he signed a new five-year contract that reportedly will pay him $10 million if he remains at Tech through 2010.

I think Leach would be very successful at UCLA and it would be a huge mistake if the Bruins failed to interview the Red Raiders head coach.

Despite my previous criticism of Leach, I believe that he is a gifted offensive coach and -- with UCLA's talent -- he could even the balance of power in the Pac10, provided that Leach can bring a strong defensive coordinator and special teams coach with him.

The rub on Leach at Tech has been his tendency to bury his head in the sand and believe that his offenses can single-handedly win football games. While running one of the nation's most prolific offenses, Leach has allowed the Red Raiders to languish on special teams and on defense, causing some to question his ability to manage the game. I think some of that criticism stems from his loyalty to DC Lyle Setencich, but it is still a little worrisome that Leach didn't do more to impact the defense over the last five years.

So, if Leach leaves Texas Tech... who fills in for the Red Raiders?

If Leach were to depart Lubbock, the Red Raiders' No. 1 target would be Houston coach Art Briles, who spent three seasons as an assistant at Tech under Leach. Briles is also expected to be a candidate for the Nebraska and Baylor jobs.

Briles has the Cougars in position for a second straight Conference USA title, and they are bowl eligible for the fourth time in five years.

Briles, who is an intriguing coaching candidate because of his strong recruiting ties in Texas, interviewed last November for the Iowa State job that eventually went to Texas co-defensive coordinator Gene Chizik.

I think Briles would be a wise choice, but it needs to be said right now that no one is going to come in to Lubbock and simply hit the repeat button on Leach's system. In fact, several of the best candidates represent a complete role reversal - such as TCU's Gary Patterson, a defensive-minded disciplinarian.

Good the Red Raider fans learn to cheer TTU in a 13-7 win? It might take a little adjustment, but a Big XII championship would go a long way to ease the loss of Lubbock's favorite weatherman.