COUGARS

FROM PULLMAN -- We've obtained a copy of Mike Leach's finalized employment agreement from Washington State, and while there aren't many new details to pass along, we figured it'd be a good time to remind folks what Leach's agreement entails. Read on.

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Let's review the highlights ...

-- The contract is for a period of five years, ending on Dec. 31, 2016. After two seasons -- on Dec. 31, 2013 -- the contract rolls over for another 5-year term, unless either Leach or the school opts out and chooses for the deal to run only through 2016. The contract will then roll over each year on Dec. 31 unless either party opts out, meaning that after 2013, Leach will essentially be working on a 5-year deal until either he or the WSU decides not to continue rolling it over.

-- Leach's base compensation is $2 million per year, with another $100,000 annually in media compensation and $150,000 in appearance and consultation money.

-- Leach is entitled to the use of an 18-person suite in the new premium seating structure at Martin Stadium. He also receives either two donated vehicles or a yearly stipend of $3,600 (or $6,200 for two vehicles, should the school choose). Leach will receive first-class upgrades when available while traveling, and his wife, along with two other individuals, will be permitted to travel with the team and will have their travel costs paid by the school. Leach's immediate family can travel with the team for postseason competition.

-- Performance-based incentives are as follows:

$25,000 for an Apple Cup victory

$75,000 for a non-BCS bowl game appearance

$100,000 for a BCS bowl game appearance

$200,000 for reaching the BCS national title game

$50,000 for winning the Pac-12 North

$100,000 for winning the Pac-12 championship (non-inclusive)

$50,000 for a top 25 national ranking in either the BCS, AP, USA Today or Harris polls

$100,000 for finishing in the top 10 of those polls

$25,000 for leading Pac-12 public schools in graduation rate

$15,000 for a top-four finish in graduation rate among Pac-12 public schools (non-inclusive)

$25,000 for winning Pac-12 Coach of the Year

$50,000 for winning national Coach of the Year

-- If Leach is terminated without just cause before the expiration of his deal, he will be paid 60 percent of his remaining aggregate salary (so if he's fired with three years remainining, for example, he would receive $2 million, or 60 percent of $3.6 million)

-- If Leach terminates the deal on or before Dec. 31, 2012, he owes the school $2.25 million, with that value decreasing by $450,000 each season. (So, if he leaves in the final year of his deal but before it expires, he'd owe $450,000. That number goes back to $2.25 million once the deal rolls over after the 2013 season.)

Christian Caple can be reached at christianc@spokesman.com. Twitter: @ChristianCaple

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