Report: Tennessee ‘intrigued’ by Mike Leach but one hangup exists in a potential hire
By Paul Harvey
Published:
Tennessee is continuing its search for a new head coach and it appears one intriguing candidate has an interesting hangup in his past.
For a while Tuesday it appeared that Tennessee may have found its man after the Greg Schiano deal fell through on Sunday. Reports surfaced that the Volunteers were targeting Oklahoma State head coach Mike Gundy for the vacancy and were offering a large deal. A later report on Tuesday indicated that Gundy had decided to turn down the job and remain at Oklahoma State.
The search continues for the Vols, and a Wednesday reported indicated that AD John Currie is “intrigued” by Washington State head coach Mike Leach. However, there is an issue from Leach’s past that is giving Tennessee pause regarding the coach.
Bruce Feldman shared the story on Twitter:
Am told #Tennessee AD John Currie's intrigued with Mike Leach but the WAZZU coach having sued his old employer is a tough one for him & the #Vols to get past.
— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) November 29, 2017
Leach previously sued Texas Tech and claimed that he was still owed guaranteed money following his firing in 2009. Leach lost in court, but apparently, that incident is a red flag to the Vols.
Paul Harvey lives in Atlanta and covers SEC football.
