How Mike Leach, Jim McEllwain and "Rocky" can teach us about the NCAA coaching carousel
The Southeastern Conference is seeing a major upgrade in coaching this offseason, specifically in the Western division. On January 9 it was reported Mike Leach was leaving Washington State for Mississippi State, ending an eight-year run in Pullman with a 55-47 record. Factor in his work at Texas Tech and making that program relevant from 2000-2009, and leadership in Starkville made a great hire. Leach highlights a bevy of coaching moves, joining new Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin (another good hire) and Arkansas' Sam Pittman (a questionable hire). Pittman's hire does look a little better with the addition of Kendal Briles as offensive coordinator, and Auburn adding Chad Morris as its offensive coordinator. On paper the SEC West looks loaded with some strong offensive minds joining the two powerhouses of Alabama and LSU. It also came out that Washington State may not be looking too long, and rumors are Central Michigan head coach Jim McElwain is the favorite there. Mc...