Mike Leach 5 year extension to rollover yearly for Washington State

Yesterday we found out that Mike Leach was extended by Washington State through the 2018 season, here are some more details about the contract.

First and foremost, this is not a ‘new’ contract, it’s an extension of the original agreed upon contract between Leach and athletic director Bill Moos. Therefore Leach will continue to make his salary of $2.25 million per year, before incentive bonuses. In the original contract, a clause exists that allows the Cougars to extend a rollover offer to Leach at the end of his second season.

If agreed upon again at that time (which it has been) the new contract then reverts to a rolling five year extension every December 31st, beginning in 2014. The only thing that would stop this from happening is if either side opts out of rollover before the December 31 deadline in any given year, at which point Leach and his coaching staff would finish out the rest of the five years from the last rollover.

As an example, if Leach or WSU opt out before the end of 2014, he would then finish out the rest of the current five year contract (through 2018). If they do not, Leach will be extended through 2019 automatically on Dec. 31.

This is great for the program as it ensures Leach will be around for a long time and avoids the contract controversy that can hurt recruiting and other facets of the program. The straight-forward approach of Leach can be abrasive when he’s not happy, but there’s no doubt he’s the right guy for the program and Bill Moos has ensured that will be the case for years to come.

"“I’m excited about Washington State and Pullman. Glad I’m going to be here. Planned to (continue to) be here to begin with from the beginning.”– WSU Coach Mike Leach"

For more Leach quotes and information about the state of Cougar affairs under their newest head man, check out this article by Lew Wright of All Coug’d Up.