Texas Tech Hires Head Coach

December 9, 1999 / 3:58 PM EST / AP

Mike Leach, offensive coordinator at Oklahoma, was hired today as Texas Tech's head coach.

"Everybody knows that the greatest football of all is in the state of Texas, so it's great to be a part of that," Leach said at a news conference, delayed because of a storm that left seven inches of snow in Lubbock.

Leach succeeds Spike Dykes, who announced his retirement Nov. 20 after 13 seasons.

"We're really excited about having Mike as the next football coach," athletic director Gerald Myers said. "I think Mike, with his exciting, wide-open style of offense, will excite the fans, gain national recognition for the university and attract top recruits," Texas Tech athletic director Gerald Myers said. "It will bring a whole new level of excitement to Texas Tech football."

Leach agreed to a $2.75 million, five-year contract that pays $550,000 each season.

"He is an outstanding coach one of the finest young coaches in the country," Myers said. "We feel good about Mike coming in to lead our program."

During football practice Wednesday, a teary-eyed Leach told his team he had been offered the top job at Texas Tech when he visited the school Tuesday.

Leach said he wants to create a team that is number one in academics, defense and offense.

"When you get up in the morning, you'd better get up running, and that's what I plan to do at Texas Tech," he said.

Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops said the Sooners' support Leach's decision.

"Mike is an outstanding offensive mind and a great person," Stoops said. "Becoming the head coach at Texas Tech is a tremendous opportunity for Mike and we know that he'll be successful."