Dear Coach Leach,
I feel it's important to let you know that you're needed and wanted at Texas Tech.
There's a portion of the Texas Tech fanbase that seems to criticize you at every turn. I’m coming to you from the other side of the fence.
I think you and your staff are remarkable coaches.
I'd like to share a few reasons why I believe it's important for you to remain the head coach at Texas Tech until such time as you choose to retire...or become bored with NCAA football and decide to start dispelling myths and breaking records in the NFL.
First and foremost: You've ignited a fanbase.
Your innovative offense—with its ability to score on any defense, on any play, at any time—has rejuvenated the otherwise fickle Tech faithful.
Red Raiders fans have historically bought into the idea that Lubbock’s isolation from major metropolitan areas means Texas Tech can't recruit top talent. You and your coaching staff have nixed this idea faster than John Madden can finish a turkey leg.
Next, your demeanor, wit, and intelligence have captivated local and national media in a way that rivals all of the coaching icons of our time.
It's my belief that your discussion about officiating after the UT game in Austin generated mostly positive media attention, and could spur legitimate debate that will lead to change.
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No other coach in the Big 12 has the combination of intellect, oratory skill, and intestinal fortitude that it takes to stand up for a cause the way you did that night.
Finally, I believe you're closer to taking Texas Tech to the next level than you would be at UCLA—or any other school that might attempt to hire you away from us.
I understand that other programs' interest in you is a good thing. It means that you're successful enough to earn national respect.
That said, with the number of returning starters at Tech in 2008—the offensive line, the best QB in the Big 12, the best WR in the nation, and a young but talented defense—the Raiders are closer to winning a major conference championship than they have been since their Border Conference days in the 1940s.
Turning a mediocre program into a title contender in one of the nation's toughest conferences is a monumental accomplishment. For that, you should be commended.
And you should be here to see the fruits of your labor develop.
You’ve assembled a wealth of talent—but your players need their leader to succeed. A team of top sled dogs wouldn't do well without the lead dog. You are Texas Tech’s lead dog—the one that has the courage to move when others are scared or unsure, and the one that keeps plugging away when the others begin to slack off.
In closing, I want to reiterate that Texas Tech needs you to stay.
I didn’t write to you to beg or plead. I simply wanted to let you know that there are many of us who support everything you're doing.
I'll be happy for you if you move on to another school and lead them to greatness—but if you leave, I'll always wonder how much more you could have done if you'd stayed at Texas Tech
In any event, whether you leave this offseason, next year, 10 years from now, or never, I'll be a lifelong fan of yours.
Good luck in the Gator Bowl, and Merry Christmas!
Sincerely,
John Baucum
Texas Tech Class of 2003 and 2007 Red Raider Fan and Sword Swinger
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9 months ago
Can Texas Tech score on good defenses though? Other than their fluky win over Oklahoma, their offense is always getting snuffed out by Texas, OU, and in elite bowl games against teams like Alabama. The last time the Red Raiders actually scored on a great defense was that Holliday Bowl against Cal.
from 9 months ago
Not to harp on a small point here but their offense was hardly "snuffed out" by Texas this year they scored 43 points on the Longhorns. Graham Harrell threw for five touchdowns on 36 for 48 and 466 yards, while Crabtree grabbed 9 balls for nearly 200 yards. The success of the aerial assault against Texas was particularly impressive considering that they had almost no yards on the ground.
The defense is really the thing to criticize in that game...need I remind you that they gave up 59. But as John points out, they're a talented squad who will need a few years to develop....not to mention that Texas has a pretty solid offense.
9 months ago
An excellent tribute here John nicely written and well argued. I really can't think of the last time I read an article which sung bigger praises for a head coach, in any sport.
It's great to see Red Raiders fans being excited about the future and so gung-ho about what Leach has done this season. Good luck to you guys in the Gator Bowl, and here's hoping Leach does the right thing in the offseason.
9 months ago
With verbal commitments from top JUCO defensive ends Brandon SeSay, McKinner Dixon and Emmanuel Stephens coupled with visits from superstar WR's Julio Jones, Deion Walker, Jameel Owens, and Jarius Wright, Texas Tech is making massive strides on offense and defense. The rest of the big 12, and the nation better watch out. Thanks for the compliment, Zander.
from 9 months ago
I'd be really really surprised to see Julio Jones go to Texas Tech. Then again, if Leach stays, that could be another selling point for the Red Raiders to grab him. I just have a hard time believing he gets out of the southeast. He would be an incredible steal though.
from 9 months ago
You are correct, Robert. However, the prospect of lining up on the same field as Michael Crabtree has got to be exciting to any receiver. With Danny Amendola graduating Texas Tech has an opening and Julio Jones sure would fill that spot nicely. I think Texas Tech could wind up with at least one of Jones, Deion Walker, Jameel Owens or Jarius Wright. Any or all of those guys would make Texas Tech a seriously dangerous team.
9 months ago
Nice write-up. I think Leach will not be seriously tempted to leave Tech until after the 08 season when he either becomes a hot commodity due to earning Tech a BCS birth, or becomes frustrated with negative Tech fan after failing to meet the lofty expectations that the Tech fan base has for 08.
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