WSU extends Leach’s contract through 2018

PULLMAN— Washington State athletic director Bill Moos made it clear he wants to keep football coach Mike Leach around for the long haul, extending the coach’s contract through the 2018 season. “Mike Leach has done a fabulous job in his short time at Washington State,” said Moos. “Extending his contract through the 2018 season will ensure a bright future for Cougar football. He has elevated the program on the field, in the community and in the classroom. I believe he is among the best college football coaches in America and is a fantastic fit in Pullman.” With two games left in the 2013 season, Leach has led the Cougars to five wins for the first time since 2007. The team was 3-9 in his first season and is 5-5 this season with a home game against Utah on Saturday and the Apple Cup at Washington on Nov. 29. With a win in either game, Leach will position WSU to earn its first bowl bid since 2003. Leach said the support he has received from students, alumni and the administrations has been “tremendous”. He added that by the end of the year WSU’s upgraded facilities would “rival anyone in the country. “As I’ve said many times, my family and I are extremely happy at Washington State and love living in Pullman,” Leach said.