Leach Awarded Contract Extension
November 16, 2000 | Football
Nov. 16, 2000
LUBBOCK, Texas - Texas Tech University Chancellor John T. Montford, President Dr. David Schmidly and Athletic Director Gerald Myers announced today that the university Board of Regents has approved a one-year contract extension through Dec. 31, 2005, for Red Raider head football coach Mike Leach.
"We are pleased with the progress of the team and the direction the program is headed," Myers said. "The team has shown improvement throughout the season. We're happy with Mike Leach and his coaching staff for the job they've done this season. It's a significant achievement in a head coaches first season to achieve bowl eligible status."
Leach guided the Red Raiders to a 7-4 record in his first season. Tech's seven wins qualify the program for its eighth-straight bowl eligible season. Under Leach's direction, Texas Tech has added a new level of football excitement on the South Plains. Texas Tech has passed for more than 3,000 yards for the first time in school history. Defensively, the Red Raiders lead the nation with three shutouts and held a fourth opponent without an offensive touchdown.
Schmidly notes Leach's dedication to his team and determination to win, as characteristics needed to build a winning program.
"Mike Leach has done a great job for Texas Tech," Schmidly said. "He has brought a commitment to establishing a national presence for Texas Tech football. At the same time, he has set high standards for his players, not only on the football field but also in the classroom. We look forward to a continued relationship with Mike and his staff."