Mike Leach hired as football coach at Washington State

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Mike Leach was hired Wednesday as head football coach at Washington State. He will replace Paul Wulff, who was let go after posting a 9-40 record over four years.

Leach agreed in principle to a five-year contract, according to the university.

Leach earned bowl bids in each of his 10 seasons as head coach at Texas Tech (2000-09), recording an 84-43 record before being fired in 2009 amid allegations that he mistreated a player with a concussion.

‘I have spoken about the need to re-energize our fan base and take Cougar football to the next level. I believe the hiring of Mike Leach accomplishes both of those goals,’ athletic director Bill Moos said in a news release. ‘His credentials speak for themselves.’

The news may come as a disappointment to fans at Kansas and Arizona State, many of whom have clamored for their schools to hire Leach, one of the most-high profile coaches in college football.

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-- Melissa Rohlin