When it became clear that Maryland had set their sights on former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, I was trying to think of the best way to describe his style. Then it came to me: He is the football version of Lefty Driesell. He is entertaining, knows how to deal with the media and is a quote machine. But most importantly, he is a great football coach who is a tactical recruiter. His wide-open offense had the likes of Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops and Texas’ Mack Brown working overtime on how they could slow Leach’s offense.
The reason for his ouster at Texas Tech has been well documented and remains in litigation — and it most likely will be for quite a while. Leach himself has a law degree from Pepperdine, and while he comes off as a good ole boy, he is very smart.
Don Williams has been the Texas Tech beat writer for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and covered Leach from the first day he arrived on campus until his controversial exit. We talked about what Maryland fans might expect if he becomes the next coach.
Williams on Leach’s system » Mike is all about the system. His quarterbacks are not your prototypical big-arm guys. He looks for smart guys who can process a series of quick reads and hit the open man. So it is quick passes often in the 10- to 20-yard range — not the deep stuff. His running backs tend to be smaller, quicker guys who of course can catch passes. Everything in his offensive system is about thinking quickly, reacting to what is open and getting rid of the ball. It is like fast break basketball on a football field.
Williams on Leach the recruiter » This is not a bad thing, but Mike recruits for his system. He was up against the Texas, Oklahoma, Texas A&M and Nebraska’s of the Big 12 and of course everyone comes to Texas for players. So Mike would see guys that might be a number two or three at say Texas but they fit his system. He will steal a few stars but it really is finding guys that fit the system.
Williams on Leach’s downside » Mike is all about offense and he leaves his defense entirely in the hands of the defensive coordinator. So the person who gets that spot needs to not only know his stuff, he better find players. Also, the players now on the roster may or may not fit the system so there is no instant success.
Examiner columnist Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this!
