The Minneapolis Star-Tribune offers up a funny story about a visit to New York by Texas Tech coach Mike Leach:
Also, Sporting News says Leach is a favorite with some Vol faithful:
© 2008, Knoxville News Sentinel Co.
Want to use this article? Click here for options!
Tennessee's signing class for 2012
Tennessee defeats Georgia 3-2 in…
Memorable moments in Pat Summitt's…
Scripps Interactive Newspapers Group
Comments » 46
volmattna writes:
He puts points on the board!!! something us tennessee fans are not use to.
MANVOL writes:
He has a video game scoring offense and we have a video game looking stadium. Bring him on!
tnbigg writes:
Points!
BleedOrangeForever writes:
Watching him on the sidelines against OSU the other night, I was pondering whether or not he would look good on the sidelines wearing The Big Orange, but after the offensive onslaught they put up, I think he would look just fine. He has consistently had qb's who put up outstanding #'s and he finally has a defense there to stop teams. I for one would like to see a high-powered offense at Neyland for a change.
mattlock writes:
Why do people like Kiffin? Please expound cause I don't see it. . .
UT___a_basketball_school writes:
Leach is number 1 for me!
DennisVols writes:
Leach brings a high speed offense that uses all the playmakers to get into open space and wear down a defense by chewing up large chunks of yardage and scoring at will.
Why on earth would we ever want that at UT? We love our 3 and out offense, it gives us more time to go to the bathroom and to get beer from the fridge. If we had a successful team that scored lots of points and wins games, I would not get anything done on a Sat. afternoon around the house. (Would make the wife mad)
Please hire some unknown coach who will continue our low expectation. It'll save me money on season tickets and not having to travel for bowl games.
(Being sarcastic here)
9krpms writes:
The love with Kiffin is that he supposedly will recruit so well that we could win with my dog calling the plays. Leach is the man for me, but I just don't see the conservative Haslams who are from the Neyland era, wanting to go for such a wild and crazy guy. personally, i think Leach is the kind of character we would fall in love with, much like Bruce. Imagine the vol navy becoming the vol pirates!
hotrodvol writes:
His offense is great, would make it exciting to watch football down there again. He and Pearl would be perfect together. Every fan in the SEC will hate him, but also want him. He was at OU in 1999 as OC, and they had big numbers. They are probably still running part of his offense. Just hope he doesn't show up at basketball games with shirt off and chest painted.
surfmaster writes:
Chip Kelly is the man for the job. The man can coach and is a great recuiter. Only a matter of time before some other big time program gets him.
http://www.goducks.com/ViewArticle.db...
Spread the word ... Hire Chip Kelly!
pms151 writes:
How does anyone know that the AD will not just go for Clawson. Remember many thought that he was brought in as the next Vol coach. The offense did not produce this year because Fulmer would not let go. He would keep Chief. The players would respond and if he did not win we would have more opportunities next year to see how all of these guys we are looking at now can repeat their successes. He could be the answer and much less of a risk financially. Remember how high most of us were on him just 3 months ago?
Moaninglikeheck writes:
I wonder if he pefers fritters or glazed. Seems like a healthy sized guy for his age. At least Krispy Kreme's bottom line won't take a hit if they hire him.
DennisVols writes:
I understand your thoughts but the Haslam family didn't get their wealth by not taking risks and being willing to change as the environment changed in order to remain competitive in the market. Risk is measured against the option of taking less risk. (Change the UT tradition of conservative offense to a spread style against keeping the traditional style and risk continuing to lose to your competitors , loss of recruiting status, and drop in economic status)
So lets hope that we are about to begin a new tradition
pms151 writes:
Remember that the Haslam's, all of them,have used our money, not theirs to change. Doubtful they would change now. They need to go away as much as Fulmer and Hamilton and Thornton and Kessling and Priest.
MANVOL writes:
Here is how we get Leach.
Tech announced Monday that about 1,000 tickets remain for the team's regular-season finale on Nov. 29 against Baylor.
If the VOLS had a winning season not to mention being undefeated and that just beat the 1 team there wouldn't be a ticket to be had.
mbible1utk#324980 writes:
Mike Leach is the guy I want... I'm not interested in a 57 year old Butch Davis, I'm not interested in a Brian Kelly who has yet to have one season that could even be thought of as outstanding, I don't want Tim Brewster who not only went 1-11 his first season, but just lost to Michigan.... I want Mike Leach.
The thing is that we cannot keep running this same offense. When a team runs the pro-style offense that so many other SEC teams run, the only way to be a good team is to have talent that is far beyond what your competition has...we're losing our talent gap big time, so we need to bring in someone who has a system that can thrive even if it doesn't have the fastest or strongest. Mike Leach is that guy. The recruits he gets at Texas Tech aren't 5 star guys, some aren't really even recruited by a D-1 school, yet he turns them into juggernauts... imagine if he had the facilities and tradition of UT behind him... could you imagine a system like his using talent like he could get here? We're needing a new system, if we brought him in and retained Chavis, we'd be a national title threat again shortly.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Am I the only one who think that Mike Leach is probably bipolar, or maybe just plain manic? All the stories I hear of his crazy behavior sound like classic manic symptoms. Anyone remember Tennessee's last experience with a bipolar coach? Worked out pretty well until his condition forced him into early retirement.
WVVOLFAN writes:
ya, keep that thought. you may want to go to the film room and watch last weeks game. hightlights include Stephens attempting to throw through a DL hands. Crompton throwing a 10 yard screen pass 2 yards short. I don't know what clawson does during practice, but it is not coaching the QB's. For that reason alone, he should not be back in any capacity.
Cash writes:
Better hope Leach brings the show to K-Town. Looking at the top tier in the SEC now, throwing up points, and a lot of them, is the name of the game. And he's the guy that has proven he likes a little excitement. 35-50 ppg sure is better that 7.
Hopson2008 writes:
Leach was Kentucky's OC in the Tim Couch years, when they set SEC records for offense.
TommyJack writes:
Nothing looks more pathetic than trying to run the spread with the wrong personnel. Ask Auburn. Ask Dave Clawson.
BloodShovel writes:
This is what this team needs. Check out Mike here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UKKhRJ...
dshawn13#224876 writes:
Leach has 81 players from the state of Texas, he can't win with 81 players from Tennessee. I don't see him as a nat'l recuiter. 1. Davis 2. Kiffin 3. Kelley
chad_t31 writes:
Gotta be able to run the ball as well. If not...say goodbye to hardesty, creer, poole, and oku.
OhioVol3 writes:
Would anybody else be severely disappointed if UT got Kelly or Brewster? I sure would. They may be great coaches...it just seems like UT and a high-profile coach would go hand in hand. I say Kiffin.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
I'll say it again... THERE IS NO SUCH THING AS "THE SPREAD" OFFENSE!!!!
There are teams that spread the field, but they're not doing anything that hasn't been done in college football with great success for decades. Some "spread" offenses are just big passing attacks. Think Florida under Spurrier, Miami since the 80s, FSU for the past 20 years, the Vols with Manning, etc. Other "spreads" focus on spreading the field to run options and misdirection stuff ala Air Force. All have long been successful. "The spread" is a stupid buzzword that media types have cooked up to try and hype that these schools are doing something radically new and similar. They're not.
When Leach was offensive coordinator at Kentucky, his teams put tons of points on the board. The defense did suck, but that wasn't his fault. Give him a good defensive coordinator and some good talent and he'd do just fine. Being afraid of the next coach bringing the spread to UT is like being afraid of the next coach bringing a 4-3 defense or the I formation.
givehim6 writes:
Leach or Kelly sound good to me, if thay can resurrect our layed back offence Clawson gave us.
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Some points:
1. A lot of silly fans wanted Cutcliffe gone because they didn't know much about football and wanted some kind of gimmicky thing that would get media types gushing over its creativity. Cutcliffe actually ran a spread offense too. At least, it was as much of a spread as Boise St., Texas, etc. People are spoiled. That's irrelevant to what I was saying about "The Spread" being a media myth. Now fans and stupid sports reporters think you have to run something called "the spread" to win or be modern, but it's stupid. Anything is a spread offense if you use more than 2 WR.
2. Leach has a track record of taking unheralded QBs and making superstars out of them. It's like BYU in the 80s or Florida in the 90s. Would Danny Weurffel have ever won the Heisman if he played for Nebraska? It's all about coaching a QB up and pairing them with the right system. Leach is great at that.
3. Why would Boyd NOT want to come to a team that might make him into a Heisman contender and give him a chance to break records? He's a mobile passer, but not a classic drop back guy or a running QB.
4. Maybe a proven QB coach like Leach is exactly what talented, underachieving players like Crompton, Stephens, and Coleman need? Ever think of that? The Vols have done a piss poor job of developing their players over the last 8 years or so, and both Crompton and Coleman were rated higher coming out of high school than any of the guys Leach has set records with. Who knows what he could do with them?
Again, "The Spread" does not exist as an offensive system. It's just a typical, multi-WR pro style offense like everyone's ran for years. The only thing is that lately a handful of coaches, like Urban Meyer, have realized they can also incorporate some old plays that always worked but fell out of favor with fans who wanted to pretend they were watching an NFL game. Media types didn't know how to respond to this, so they started hyping it as some new, innovative thing that no one had ever thought of before. Next thing you know, any program that uses more than 2 WR at a time and scores a lot of points is calling itself a spread offense to sell tickets.
paulvol writes:
Chris Peterson of Boise State is the better option but I like Mike Leach too. Either one is fine with me. Nobody else on the candidates list is even close.
GahLee writes:
He has Texas Tech of all schools at number two in the nation, and in position for a national title. Taking Texas Tech from bottom dweller to national title contender takes time. If he came to UT, he wouldn't have to rebuild a program, simply implement his offense, that works, and has worked with great success everywhere he has went. The defense will still be there, I don't think that he will tinker with any philosophy there. He made Tim Couch a number one pick enough said.
GahLee writes:
I think that people are just afraid of change, get used to it, the world never stops and just cause we don't run off tackle, run behind lead blocker, throw a slant, and then punt doesn't mean it's wrong. Mike Leach, to me would have the same effect as Bruce Pearl. He could excite a program and change the culture we know as Tennessee football. I for one, do not care how you do it, so long as it works. So if we have to throw the ball 45 times to beat Florida and Georgia, if we have to throw the ball 45 times to win SEC titles and compete for National titles then so be it. It is a compete change in philosophy, but look at his track record as an O.C. and now as a coach and see the kind of numbers that his offenses has put up. Like I said in my prior post, the D is not going anywhere, we are strong on that side of the ball year in and year out. His focus would have to be on our anemic offense, with his knowledge and credibility, it would only be a matter of time. He could make Crompton All-SEC, now wouldn't that be something. Hire Leach and all will be well in Big Orange Nation again.
hotrodvol writes:
If Leach came a big name QB would follow, Ky. has got two QB commits, one from Texas, he might change his mind and come to UT.
Boyd might also work in his system, but any QB will take a second look at UT. For one our QBs returning are very bad. Second what QB wouldn't want to play for Leach.
GahLee writes:
Vince Young ran 90% of his snaps in college out of the shotgun, number three pick in the draft, granted he hasn't done anything since. If a QB is good enough to play in the NFL, I'm sure he can adjust to dropping back and taking from under center. That would take all of 2 weeks to adjust to. Boyd would be a great fit in his system, one of the more accurate passers in all of the country.
GahLee writes:
I didn't prove your point, that is one individual. If a guy can play in the NFL, he can play in the NFL. Does it help to play in a pro-style offense, of course, but if you can play, you can play.
bobbyutvol writes:
MIKE LEACH WILL HAVE EVERY 5 STAR RECRUIT IN THE COUNTRY WANTING TO COME TO KNOXVILLE///// WHAT QB & WR WOULD NOT WANT TO PLAY FOR HIM ????? FOR YOU DOUBTERS LOOK AT LEACH WHEN HE WAS OFFENSIVE CORD AT KENTUCKY AND THEY SET ALL THOSE OFFENSIVE RECORDS.... BRING ON LEACH // LET CHAVIS STAY//// NATIONAL POWER IN 2 YEARS//// THIS GUY IS AN OFFENSIVE GENIUS. IF WE CANT GET HIM WHAT ABOUT THE BOSIE STATE COACH PETERSON... PRETTY GOOD TOO/////
BigOrangeinCharge writes:
Hmm... QBs who play for Urban Meyer aren't taken very seriously in the NFL. Neither were QBs who played for Nebraska when they dominated the nation, or any of the guys Oklahoma has had. Guess what? They won anyway! Do you think it's more important that the Vols groom players for the NFL or win games?
A good offense is a good offense. People blaming Leach for not coaching his defense overlook the simple fact that defense is not his specialty any more than it was Spurrier's or Meyer's at Florida. Give him a good DC and let him run the offense he wants and UT would be back in the national spotlight.
richvol writes:
It took a while for Leach to build TT into a feared power in the Big 12. However, he got some players, coached them up and now drives teams like Texas crazy trying to defend his offense. Tech was a bottom dweller in the Big 12 forever. What he has done there is remarkable...it would be much easier for him at UT.
This talk about him not being able to do the same in the SEC is ridiculous because he's already done it at Kentucky. His system gets receivers into open spaces and you just can't cover all of them. Someone's always open. This also makes the running game much more effective.
This guy can take Tennessee to the promised land...quickly.
Striker writes:
PLEASE hire this guy. This is EXACTLY what Tennessee needs to bring excitement back to our neck o the woods. Its so worth the chance. We need something completely different. Hammy if you do this and it works you will be the hottest AD in the Country. Just imagine ...
If it doesnt at least it will fill seats, and thats what it comes down to for you and yours. Everyone is happy, you fill seats, the fans have something FUN to watch. If you bring in Davis or the like, sure we start winning a few more, but its just plain ole football, a better version of Fulmer ball. "Quirky", Remember its the guys that stand out in a crowd that become successful, sheep never get noticed, and are soon forgotten
We want points, and wins! Imagine the media hype in this town with Leach and Pearl. We would be the hottest school in the Country heading into fall next year. Story after story...If its Davis it will be a 5 min story on College game day.
HIRE LEACH
pdhuff#552644 writes:
Lord, let this be over soon. Of all the times to have an open date. Then play Vandy!
Roiling.
Striker writes:
Lets call an ace and ace my friend. You listed bad, so heres the good.
Excellent points if he were at a solid program. Tech is the 4th rated program in the state of Texas alone. They have NEVER had anything, recruiting to that place is a disaster. It has nothing to offer. UT on the other hand has EVERYTHING to offer.
Leach was the Offense behind Tim Couch, Oklahomas National Championship, and multiple Heisman number Quarterbacks. Heres some good numbers for you.
-9 consecutive winning seasons
-7 consecutive seasons with at least 8 wins
-4 seasons with at least 9 wins
-8 consecutive bowl appearances
-5 bowl wins (most by any individual coach in the history of the program)
-Number # in America and should be #1 considering who they just beat
-17–9 record against in-state conference rivals Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M
45–10 record at Jones AT&T Stadium, home of the Texas Tech Red Raider football team
-Coached 1 Fred Biletnikoff Award winner: Michael Crabtree
-Coached 1 Mosi Tatupu Award winner: Wes Welker
-Coached 3 Sammy Baugh Trophy winners: Kliff Kingsbury, B.J. Symons, and Graham Harrell
-And MOST importantly More than 150 NCAA, Big 12 and school records broken
txsvol#372416 writes:
I've posted my opinion on Leach following other articles. The point:This year, with better players, and better defense, he is winning big! And, he does it with leftovers! Can you imagine how Neyland Stadium will rock when we're running over Florida 66-28 or Alabama 70-20? Offensive shootouts are exciting for the fans! And, he's learned to select quality players for his system. One of the blogs has a good discription of what he does offensively. I mentioned it previously. SAVol
Ralph_Crampton writes:
The talk about Leach will come to a screeching halt when Sooners clash with Tech and as usual will blow them out big time. Leach was thought of as loose cannon on the Mumme staff at Kentucky. Vols should forget him.
Docrok writes:
In Response to #3 It cut it for Fulmer for the past several years
Docrok writes:
Have you paid attention to "Choklahoma" football?? This year they have allowed almost everyone to score a minimum of 4 tds on them. OK St has played far better defense and Tech blew them out scoring 7 straight tds! Soooooo not that I am advocating Leach, I am telling you OK, should they manage a victory (Did I mention that "Choklahoma hasnt wona "Big" game in a few years???) it wont be a blowout! That being said 1 frickin blowout beats the heck out of 4! And yes that is how many times UT hasnt even been in the game this year!!!!
TxVol writes:
Be so very careful for what you wish.He is having ONE season with years of 8-4s mixed in. Never sniffed a conference championship, and is usually considered mediocre, at best.
You want a video game.........go buy one.
Docrok writes:
Again never said it as wish for Leach! Just that "Choklahoma" probably not gonna blow them out
Share your thoughts
Comments are the sole responsibility of the person posting them. You agree not to post comments that are off topic, defamatory, obscene, abusive, threatening or an invasion of privacy. Violators may be banned. Click here for our full user agreement.