Mike Leach speaks about how his deal with Texas Tech got done

February 20, 11:34 AMSports ExaminerPaula Duffy

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Leach phoned into the Colin Cowherd radio program this morning.

Listen to the whole interview, here.

He made it clear he had not been happy about what he called the school's contradictory stance.

While the school had an onerous buy-out clause if Leach decided to leave Texas Tech, his pay-out if he was fired without cause was small. He had been  threatened with being fired if he interviewed elsewhere.

He also told Cowherd he thought there were "too many cooks in the kitchen". The negotiations had become testy and complicated.

When he met with the university's chancellor he realized the tone had changed and within a half hour the terms were negotiated to conclusion.

The negotiated terms that sealed the deal were reported by the Associated Press:

1. Leach can interview elsewhere without consequence if he notifies his athletic director.
2. If he is fired by the school it is on the hook for $400,000 for each year remaining under the contract.
3. Leach will not have to buy his way out if he intends to leave.
4. The coach retains the rights to his name and likeness thus enabling him to keep revenue he might make for public appearances and speaking engagements.

In the end, Leach's public radio and television blitz of two days ago was the final straw for supporters to rise up and let the university know that Leach had to be retained.

Leach threatened with being fired if he doesn't sign extension

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