Mike Leach Fired by Texas Tech

Originally Published: Dec 30, 2009 12:6 PM CDT

Dave Carty
Oklahoma Sports Staff Writer

LUBBOCK, Texas -- Texas Tech University has fired head coach Mike Leach. Just before the two sides were set to meet Wednesday in a Lubbock, Texas courtroom, the university handed a termination letter to Leach's attorney Ted Liggett, who says the letter states Leach is "terminated with cause effective immediately."

Early this week, complaints led to a suspension for Leach. Adam James, a Red Raiders wide receiver, and his family sent the complaints to the university. James alleged that Leach twice confined him to a dark, cramped space after complaining of a concussion. James is the son of former New England Patriots fullback Craig James, now an ESPN analyst.

Leach sought to gain court approval to coach in the team's Alamo Bowl game against Michigan State on Saturday, by filing a temporary restraining order.

Texas Tech is the second Big 12 university to launch an investigation into mistreatment of players. In November, Kansas investigated head coach Mark Mangino - like Leach, a former OU coach. Mangino resigned in early December as a result of the investigation.

Both Mangino and Leach served under current University of Oklahoma head coach Bob Stoops during his tenure at the university. Likewise, both coaches recieved big raises after successful seasons at their respective programs.

In February, Leach and Texas Tech agreed to a five-year, $12.7 million contract. If Leach was still head coach at Texas Tech on December 31, he would be due an $800,000 bonus, according to terms of the deal. Leach's Wednesday firing prevents that Thursday bonus.