Miami Must Hire Mike Leach

First off let me state that I am without a doubt greatly relieved that Greg Schiano will not be taking the UM job. I've never been a fan of Schiano's schemes nor his style, and I more than anything want Miami to finally break with the Jimmy Johnson/Dave Wannstedt coaching tree. Moreover, Schiano is Jersey guy and he belongs at Rutgers.

As I have said before I felt Miami's two most viable options for Head Coach were Mike Leach of Texas Tech and Chargers Offensive Coordinator Cam Cameron. Both are offensive innovators who would help to fill seats at the Orange Bowl while exciting fans with creative plays ala Urban Meyer. Over on Canesport I have been attacked by fans saying that Mike Leach never won anything at Texas Tech and that almost anyone would be a better choice. Dare I point out that Jimmy Johnson was 0-10 versus Oklahoma and Nebraska as Ok State Head Coach and that the same Miami fans who want Randy Shannon today over a little known coach from the Red River Valley were actively campaigning for the legendary Tom Olividotti in 1984, then the UM Defensive Coordinator. These same fans were angered that Gary Stevens was passed over in 1989 for Dennis Erickson also a little known coach at a second tier school in a major league, and these same fans applauded the hiring of Larry Coker, career assistant in 2001.

I have watched Texas Tech a number of times on TV since Leach arrived in Lubbock. The Red Raiders seems to always pop up on FSN's afternoon game or TBS' prime time matchup. What I have seen is a team short on talent but long on great scheming and a team that minimizes mistakes and costly penalties. I've also seen a team that is never out of a game and a team that beat Oklahoma last year, hung 70 on Nebraska two years ago and has given Texas a run for its money every year.

Miami has found their coach. They have found the next great Miami coach. Now they need to offer him the job.