The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper The Spokesman-Review
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883
Current Temperature
62°F
Current Conditions
Overcast clouds
View complete weather report
Subscribe now

Mike Leach a semifinalist for Coach of the Year

Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach watches the action unfold from the sidelines against Cal during the first half of a college football game on Saturday, Nov 12, 2016, at Martin Stadium in Pullman. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
By Jacob Thorpe jacobt@spokesman.com(509) 710-8070

PULLMAN – Washington State football coach Mike Leach has been named a semifinalist for the George Munger Coach of the Year award, the Maxwell Football Club announced on Friday.

Leach is one of 16 finalists, joining Pac-12 peers Chris Petersen of Washington, Kyle Whittingham of Utah and Mike MacIntyre of Colorado. Leach, who was named Pac-12 co-Coach of the Year in 2015, has guided the Cougars to an 8-2 record and an unbeaten mark in seven conference games.

The No. 20 Cougars play one of their biggest games of the season on Saturday against MacIntyre’s Buffaloes in Boulder, Colorado. They then finish the regular season on Black Friday in the Apple Cup against Petersen’s Huskies.

Clemson coach Dabo Swinney won the award last season. Three semifinalists will be announced on Dec. 12, and the national Coach of the Year will be announced on Dec. 29.