I think you are spot on, DJ. Right now there is a sense of anger because of the losing and uncompetitiveness. I don't dislike the guy by any means, most KU people would say the same thing if they were speaking without immediate emotion. I do like Gill and think he will be successful somewhere in this world. However, Coaching high level competitive football (as a head coach) is not going to be that path to greatness. He simply does not have the driven values for winning that there needs to be, in my opinion.

In time all that hate will subside, and people will chuckle, point and make fun of him much like we do Herm.

I wish I had an extra $800,000 lying around that I could buy out a football coach.

No doubt

It can be, that is the business side of it that the AD and university has to work out on a case by case basis.

In this case, i believe the majority is going to be backed by the new Television revenue... simply because Zenger had enough and wasn't going to wait to get the full backing.

Everything I have read says. That the full amount, just over $6 million, is due in 90 days. It was a horrendous contract for the University.

A lot of that money will come from boosters, but that's still less booster money that can be available elsewhere. Its hard enough for Kansas to get football money to begin with. Asking for millions not to hire a stud, but to FIRE a loser, is a bitter pill.

Maybe someone to follow throughout this ordeal:


http://www2.kusports.com/weblogs/tal...828-am-a-deep/

11:47 a.m. Update:
I've said this on various radio shows and podcasts but it just hit me that I may not have written it here. Based on what I've been able to gather, here's the way I see the timing of this whole search going.

Because of his past connections with him, as well as Mike Leach's sterling resume, KU athletic director Sheahon Zenger knows exactly what he's got in Leach as a candidate. I believe that's where he sets the bar.

With that in mind, he'll do his due diligence here and make sure that he gets the absolute best hire for Kansas in all areas — fit, finances, feel and fan support, among other things.

I haven't been able to nail down the number yet but it's looking like Zenger will interview between 3-5 other candidates during the next 3-5 days. He'll give each one a fair shake and each one will be seriously considered. He'll then see how closely each candidate comes to reaching the bar set by Leach.

If someone reaches that same level or perhaps even surpasses it, that could very well be the next head coach at Kansas. Depending on who it is — if anyone reaches that level — going that direction could save KU money and eliminate the "risk" that many believe comes with hiring Leach.

If none of the "other candidates" reach that level, then I think Zenger's decision is made for him and Leach is the guy.

I'd expect the interviews to take place throughout the week, possibly even into Sunday and Monday. And then I'd expect that a hire may be made sometime mid-to-late next week.

Again, this is just my read on the situation and it is based off of the information I've gotten from a number of different sources.

Leach is a hot commodity and there are a lot of schools going after him, so if he is the guy Zenger ultimately wants and things get hot elsewhere, the time frame could change quickly and this thing could be over sooner.

As for who the other candidates who will get interviews might be.... that's
the mystery. Mark Stoops and Larry Fedora seem likely, Brent Venables is a possibility and there may even be a name or two who hasn't been talked about much by those following this thing.

Time will tell. Stay tuned..

If Venebales would even consider coming to KU he would immediately become my favorite ahead of Fedora.

The tone of that post was dumb. If Leach visits, KU won't be interviewing Leach. Leach will be interviewing KU. This guy makes it sound like Leach has to hope that KU can't find a better candidate. In reality, KU has to hope that Leach doesn't get a better offer.

Eh, I guess you could take it like that. I took it as Leach was "the standard" by which other potential coaches would be measured.

I read it the opposite - that KU is acknowledging that Leach is clearly the guy they want. At the same time, they'll give a few other candidates a chance to match him.

It seemed to be like a concession that they'd love to have Leach, but should probably have a plan B in the pipe.

That writer and the likes of him make KU fans look like shit.

Nothing official that Leach is the favorite. I wouldn't be surprised if he's not even considered and they decide to go after Mr nice guy with little to no potential over the controversial Leach.

I hope not. They already tried that.

The problem is that if the donors dictate that they don't a trouble maker. Zenger would have no choice.

The only thing that I can read from all of this is we are going to have a coach sooner than the time it took to hire Gill.

There was an interesting interview with Glenn Mason where he talked about schools going back and forth from disciplinarian to nice guy, back to disciplinarian. Zenger himself has said he wants a disciplinarian head coach.

I'm reading Mike Leach's book "Swing Your Sword".

This guy is brilliant. Love his mind and he really loves football. He speaks his mind and doesn't put up with bullshit. Plus he is ****ing hysterically hilarious, at times.

It would make the funnest, most entertaining era of KU football, methinks.

If KU can get him, they will be very, very lucky.

Ladies and gentlemen, it's Saul The Valiant. Riding in on his white horse to put KU fans in their place.

So, it's safe to say you'd start paying attention to KU football if they hired Leach?

You're ignoring the baggage of the whole ESPN / Craig James fiasco. Leach needs to let that go and move on if he wants to be seriously considered for another head coaching job.

I heard him on the radio about a month ago. I've always been a fan of his and I think he got totally screwed by Craig James, ESPN, and Texas Tech. The problem is that he came off during that radio interview as a guy who is so bitter about the whole thing that it consumes him.

I guess I really wanted to hear him say "I think I got a bad deal, but I'm ready to move on, I just want to think about the future, blah blah blah." I never heard him say anything remotely resembling that. Maybe I just heard him on a bad day. Maybe he said he said it before I tuned in or after I tuned out. But I know that if I were an Athletic Director and I heard that, it would make me hesitate.

However, for what it's worth, I think hiring Mike Leach would be a home run. If he didn't have baggage, KU wouldn't have a shot at him.

Jayhawk fans wanting Leach better not get their hopes up. Nick Athan tweeted that it's a deal that is currently being done. Guaranteed not to happen now.

@ChiefsInsider Warpaint Illustrated
After learning WSU Rumor was hogwash, #Jayhawk fans might get their wish. Rumblings suggest Mike Leech and #KU officials are talking $$$'s

But he's already tweeted that KU was not going to get Leach - does that mean that it evens out to a maybe?

Talking numbers is fine, but I'd like to see Zenger interview multiple candidates and not rush into it on name alone. I think Leach would potentially be a good hire, but there are other coaches out there that I'd like to see them look at as well...

LMAO

I don't care how rich I ever am in this world, I would never pay that much to get rid of a coach who was going to get fired anyway. Holy crap. Think what you could do in the world with that money if you were going to give it away... to something besides a moribund football program anyway

Absolutely. KU football has been so inconsistent in my life that it's never really been that fun to pay attention to.

In fact, after learning so much about him... I will watch whatever team that he goes to. He is ****ing awesome.

<embed src="http://cnettv.cnet.com/av/video/cbsnews/atlantis2/cbsnews_player_embed.swf" scale="noscale" salign="lt" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" background="#333333" width="425" height="279" allowFullScreen="true" allowScriptAccess="always" FlashVars="si=254&&contentValue=50067308&shareUrl=http://www.cbsnews.com/video/watch/?id=4697690n" />

Leach arrived in Lawrence yet?

I have a buddy that is a die-hard KState fan. But he loves Leach so much, that he would probably start cheering pretty hard for KU if he signed here.

He hates ESPN. I hate ESPN. It's a fit.

The deal is done?

Of course it pissed him off and he is bitter about it, he is a ****ing attorney.

He got hosed. He signed a 5 years $12.9m contract at the start of the 2009 season and Texas Tech has paid $0.

Seems like fans of former rival teams ought to quit worrying about KU football and worry more about butts in seats for their ranked and undefeated basketball team. Might we see a (gasp) Groupon offer?

LOL Come the **** on. I used to think you were trying to have a discussion, but this is clearly a troll post.

I'll bet it's going to be Dave Doeren.

I'm not so sure.

Hiring Leach would be a home run for the program and instantly bring KU Football back to the national headlines (at least for a while).

It's hard to say wait it out in these types of situations. Once the first guy is gone things will move pretty quickly.

Leach is an excellent coach, has great recruiting ties in Texas, and has some "issues" that other programs may be a little weary of right now but would love to have him if his situation was different.

There are lots of good choices for Kansas. Leach is beyond good. There's nothing wrong with making a splash.

You mean Roger Dorn?

Hey! # 22 Creighton Blue jays basketball always packs the house.

What?!? You mean fans of teams these days can't afford to sell out both sports!?!

You don't say...

You mean basketball isn't important to schools with football programs?

Its a realistic , maybe slim, possibility. But it could happen. Go and see Taits 4:44 pm update and the list of new potential coaches. All are almost unknowns who fit the nice guy and moderate experience bill.

Your classification of troll posts is comical. Why would I troll a KU thread?

Dumb****.
Posted via Mobile Device

If being middle of the pack in the Big 12 = football program....we can do that.

OSU says hi and they actually have a football program.

LULZ

1) Tait's list is not Zenger's list.

2) Saying that Leach isn't even going to be considered is stupid. The guy can clearly coach, and BGL would probably like him because he had a fantastic graduation rate at TT, IIRC.

3) I don't know why you'd troll a KU thread. But you're the one being a dumb**** here.

OSU doesn't care about basketball. They show up for Duke, but that doesn't mean basketball matters to them in general.

Went and saw my family in SEC country. My cousin is a life long Mississippi St fan. I floated your "no such thing as a basketball school" theory and asked him about Florida fans. He chuckled and nodded.

I can confirm this.

Ya, only 15,000 people showed up to see them slaughter Jackson State, whatever that is.

Meanwhile in Columbia... *crickets*

You don't have to be a "basketball school" for your fans to care enough to show up. I'm sure the Tiger BB players love fans like Saul Good, though.

Tait is considered one of the top sources for KU news at the moment.

I never said he is not going to be considered, I said I wouldn't be surprised if he's not considered. Nothing official as of yet. Everyone jumped at Harbaugh thinking he was coming and we ended up with Gill. Isn't that enough of a precedent for idiots like you?

I was simply stating my opinion and you accused me of trolling. Not sure what that says about you except being a clear dumbass.
Posted via Mobile Device

Zach seizing the moment to throw his jabs. No surprise there.

Weren't you a final four in the CP douchebag poll?

LMAO
Posted via Mobile Device

There is no right or wrong moment to laugh at you being at you. It is a consistent thing that can be done at any time.

Still a douchebag according to many CPers.

LOL
Posted via Mobile Device

I have no idea how I get up in the mornings. But it is a fact I got a lot of sensitive KU fans all wound up and emotional.

Come what may...

They should. I went to two basketball games and a football game over the last 2 weeks. That said, I'd happily lose 5 more basketball games to win one football game.

That doesn't make him infallible.

Which is still crazy, but not why I thought you were trolling.

I never thought we'd get Harbaugh, so . . . where the hell is this shit coming from?

What is it with you? I'm not sure why you jumped on my jock just because I called your post a troll post, but here's the deal, dude:

This part of your post:
is why I thought you were trolling. This is absolutely counter to what KU has to do in this situation. They CANNOT spend millions of dollars buying out a nobody just to turn around and hire another nobody, EVEN IF he has potential. They just CAN'T. This hire HAS to be a homerun hire. It HAS to be a big name. The boosters have to have it, the AD has to have it and the fans have to have it.

The only dumbassery in this little exchange is your suggestion that you wouldn't be surprised if we hired another Turner Gill. That's absolutely ludicrous. You have to get the biggest name you can.

Geezus dude. I guess I started this little spat with the troll comment, but you took it to a whole other level with the namecalling. Mine was genuine wonderment that any KU fan could POSSIBLY think that your scenario was even a LITTLE bit plausible, hence my thinking you were trolling. So, for what it's worth, sorry about that since it seems that wasn't your intention. Now, how's about you back off on the name calling and we call it a truce?

No hard feelings.

I wish as much as anyone would that we get Leach or another big name hire but I highly doubt it. I'll try to explain that later.

Sorry if I offended you.

Here is to a great hire.
Posted via Mobile Device

Wazzu seems to be pushing hard for Leach. Is he still your top candidate?

schadjoe
Mike Leach is in fact the strong leading candidate at Washington State


Is this guy credible? I have never heard of him before.


masonkelley Mason Kelley
A source has told Steve Kelley that Mike Leach is on his way to WSU. Just though I'd pass it along.

masonkelley Mason Kelley
On his way to being hired. RT @ Softykjr: "On his way" as in he's taking the job or visiting?

I can't imagine that he'd accept that job so quickly after they fired their coach when other, better jobs are still open, but crazier things have happened.

@natekuester Nate Kuester Talked to people I trust at # WSU who believe Mike Leach has been offered. No solid confirmation, though. Rumors are rumors, until confirmed.



So, he's talked to people at WSU that think Leach might have been offered. We need to get someone to an airport ASAP!

Touchy little minx, aren't you?

That's fine, I figured we could about double the interest in your football program by expressing passing curiosity in how this turned out. Let us all know if you hire Harbaugh, m'kay?

For the record, I hate twitter.....


BFeldmanCBS Bruce Feldman
BREAKING: Mike Leach has verbally agreed to be the head coach at Washington St.

http://bruce-feldman.blogs.cbssports.../view/31626208

Sounds pretty solid. Sucks, but oh well.

Head-scratcher.

What's Wazzu have that KU doesn't? I mean that in all seriousness; that program sucks.

At least at KU, he'd be able to use his old recruiting ties and take shots at TTU every year.

That seems like a pretty bizarre decision. UCLA makes sense (more upside, likely more $$), but WSU just seems lateral at best.

Go get Sonny Dykes.

I wonder that myself.

UCLA will always be little brother to USC. Maybe he would rather be on the coast.

We're courting Matt Painter right now.

Come on down Larry Fedora.

Wazzu has a conference that is expanding, not crumbling. I will be very happy with any of the three Venables, Sykes, Fedore... but not sure any of them will be clamouring to get to Lawrence unless they are blown away with a great offer.

You must not have heard about all the upgrades the Big 12 is making these days ;)

LMAO

No doubt. We got rid of Missouri! Woot!

K-State might not have gotten "It's Patterson!" But the Big XII certainly did.

Well whos next on the list?

Their team sucks, but their program doesn't over the past 20 years. 4 top 10 finishes in the last 2 decades is nothing to sneeze at.

KU should crawl back to Mangino and apologize.

Fortunately for KU, Mangino would tell them to go **** themselves.

Yeah, WSU is a powerhouse compared to KU. :)

Personally I think he wanted out of the Big 12. Everywhere he goes in the conference he'd be "that guy that put Adam James in a closet and got fired, then sued TTU and ESPN." At Wazzu, he's just Mike Leach.