Read the debate intro and the arguments from Loyal Homer and Bleacher Fan about whether or not Texas Tech made the right decision in firing Mike Leach as head football coach.
These types of sticky situations are avoided easily enough. If coach’s worry about coaching, understand their role as a college coach, and leave the medical staff to do what the medical staff tam needs to do, these types of situations generally do not escalate… or even exist. However, the James family saw fit to escalate this situation, and the coach was subsequently fired. Great arguments from our debaters fairly represent both sides of this contentious issue.
Bleacher Fan is correct in stating that a great deal of uncertainty surrounded this entire situation at the time of Mike Leach’s dismissal. In fact, over a week after Leach was fired, uncertainty still clouds the situation.
Bleacher Fan is also correct that Leach’s handling of James injury is inconsistent with a traditional approach. With so much information still unknown about head injuries, it seems unwise for any coach – who is entrusted with the responsibility of guiding, teaching, and coaching youngsters – to go off the beaten path with the treatment of a head injury without good medical reasoning behind the decision. No, Leach did not cause additional harm to Adam James, but his treatment of the injured player appropriately raised ire and eyebrows. This is a college age student-athlete at the center of this controversy, not a professional league football player.
Mike Leach created an atmosphere of arrogance, an environment where it was clear he knew better than anyone else and would not be told what, how, when, or where to do anything. While sometimes this is the exact personality of accountability football programs need, Bleacher Fan correctly argues that the specter of mistrust is raised regarding Leach. Can Leach be 100 percent relied on to make decisions that are in the best interest of the kids and the university, not just the football program? College coaching is difficult because of the many constituencies that must be served. Leach’s bravado does not mesh well with institutional responsibility.
The most damning bit of evidence picked up by Bleacher Fan, and what ultimately earned today’s verdict victory from me, was the additional player testimonials that have emerged since Leach’s dismissal. The only players that truly understand the current state of the program are current players. Current players now feel safe to share their true feelings about their treatment during Leach’s tenure. Leach’s success is undeniable, with the team playing extremely well under his leadership and his offensive system. But in the end, Leach’s personality contrasts with too many players, as Bleacher Fan highlights. When that reality hit the light of day in the media, the administration’s hands were collectively forced.
Compare Leach’s coaching approach with other successful programs, like Ohio State and coach Jim Tressel, for example. The affectionately nicknamed “Senator Tressel” has a definite toughness in his approach and demeanor. For evidence, look at his statements surrounding the controversy over practice time brought to light at rival school Michigan. Michigan’s coach, Rich Rodriguez, was placed under tremendous scrutiny when a player transferred and sounded off in the media about how the coach forced the players to practice beyond the NCAA governed maximum number of organized practices. Tressel could easily have thrown the rival school and coach under the bus. But, he did not. He stated how players should be beating down his door for off hour access to training facilities on their own accord in hopes of improving. Tressel’s approach shows leadership and some heart, coaching kids on how they can improve their game and giving them responsibility. It is conjecture, but I am not sure Leach’s approach would mirror Tressel’s. This example proves that successful programs and coaching are not restricted to Leach’s approach. The administration hungered for a leader with a different personality than Leach, and they are within their right to make a move.
The allegations against Leach alone are enough to genuinely disrupt the recruiting process for Texas Tech and force many commits to reevaluate their decision to play for Leach. The administration likely believed – whether Adam James was telling the truth or not – that the future of the program was compromised by the allegations alone and therefore was within its right to release Leach of his duties. Mike Leach may sue the university for wrongful termination and win, but the penalty will pale compared to the preservation of the program for years to come.
Bleacher Fan ultimately won this debate with the following summation:
He [Leach]was failing in his duties to create an environment where the players felt supported, he was an unpopular and divisive coach with a reputation for scandal and controversy, and he did not follow the established protocol for the treatment of a player with injuries.
For Loyal Homer’s part, I am not convinced the $800,000 bonus due him at season’s end had anything to do with the firing. The contract was mutually agreed upon (eventually), and boosters at big colleges tend to pay for wins. Plus, that sum may be dwarfed by the hefty amount Leach may be awarded in a lawsuit. Also, while it is true that players must have a certain level of mental toughness to play for Leach – or any level of college football – it is also possible to coach winners without chastising them and their “fat little girlfriends.” See the above example from Jim Tressel.
Leach’s method and approach for how he coached all players and handled all of the constituencies college coaches are faced with is what got him fired. Texas Tech was within its right to remove him, and appears to have made the correct decision, even if they did not have a transition plan in place.
Obviously I disagree with this nonsense. Yes its true that current players are defending James. Why wouldnt they? They are going to protect their teammate. Graham Harrell, just one year removed from his time in Lubbock, came out very quickly in support of Leach, as have countless others.
I dont think its fair to compare TTU and Ohio State. Two totally different programs in two totally different parts of the country. And Mike Leach is certainly no Jim Tressel obviously. No one thinks that!
TTU will regret this decision. The whole incident doesn’t change my opinion of Mike Leach and I hope another school takes a flyer on him.
Obviously, I disagree with your comment!
I don’t believe that different parts of the country help or hurt a program’s chances at success. The comparison is valid because it is an example of a championship, consistently excellent program versus a mediocre program with high ambitions and controversial coach. Tressel is an example of how to do things right, Leach is the opposite.
The fact that you even say “take a flyer” proves that you believe any team that hires him is taking a chance. I think Leach is damaged goods right now, and he has a long road back.