Mike Leach

Mike Leach is a football coach who most recently served as the head coach of the Texas Tech Red Raiders football team. Leach was fired from Texas Tech on December 30, 2009, following allegations he mistreated a player.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4781981

Leach tallied a 84-43 record since taking over at Texas Tech in 2000, including a team-best 11-2 record in the 2008 season. He signed a contract extension with the team in February 2009 which would have paid him $12.7 million through 2013, including a bonus of $800,000 to be paid on December 31, 2009, one day after he was fired.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4781981

• 2008: Associated Press Big 12 Coach of the Year
• 2008: Big 12 Coach of the Year as selected by the league's coaches
• 2008: FieldTurf/Howie Long Coach of the Year
• 2008: George Munger Award as the NCAA Football Coach of the Year selected by the Maxwell Football Club
• 2008: Woody Hayes Award as the NCAA Football Coach of the Year selected by the Touchdown Club of Columbus

Leach was suspended from coaching the Red Raiders on December 28, 2009, after Texas Tech receiver Adam James claimed he was mistreated by Leach. James suffered a concussion on December 16, 2009, and was prohibited from practicing with the team as a result. According to those close to James, he was confined to a hotel room for long periods of time on two occasions.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4779341

The claims were fiercely denied by Leach, who stated he "would never intentionally harm or endanger a player." Leach also sought a restraining order to allow him to coach the team prior to and during the 2010 Alamo Bowl. When Leach and representatives arrived for the court hearing on December 30, 2009, Leach's attorney was handed the letter of dismissal.http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/bowls09/news/story?id=4781981