The OU football team was able to enjoy offensive coordinator
Mike Leach’s services for only one year.

Leach, who was hired by head coach Bob Stoops to install a
unique passing attack in a traditionally run-oriented Sooner
football team, accepted the head coaching position at Texas Tech
University Thursday in Lubbock, Texas.

“If I’m not exuberant with excitement, it’s a
misconception,” Texas Tech Chancellor John Montford said at
the announcement. “Because I believe coach Leach will usher
in a new era for excitement for football in west Texas and preserve
that great tradition that coach Spike Dykes and others have
established here.”

“Everyone associated with our football program are very
happy for Mike and Sharon,” Stoops said in a statement
Thursday.

“Becoming the head coach at Texas Tech is a tremendous
opportunity for Mike, and we know that he’ll be
successful.”

Leach signed a five-year deal for $550,000 a year with the Red
Raiders. Leach replaces Dykes, who retired after Tech defeated OU
to end its season.

Dykes coached the Red Raiders to a 76-62-2 record over 12 years.
“Here at Tech, I’m excited to get going,” Leach
said after accepting the position. “Spike Dykes, I consider a
friend of mine, and a certainly an icon, not just in west Texas,
but the entire country.” OU officials announced they will
temporarily replace Leach for the Independence Bowl with Mark
Mangino as offensive coordinator.

Steve Spurrier Jr. will temporarily become quarterbacks coach.

Leach has been coaching football since 1987 when he served as
assistant coach and offensive line coach at Cal Poly-San Luis
Obispo. He came to OU from Kentucky, where he coached the
Wildcats’ offense for two seasons.
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