Mike Leach

Updated 10:32 pm: CF.C asked Mike Leach earlier Sunday, after the news broke Bill Moos was leaving to Nebraska, what effect Moos’ departure had on him and what, if anything, changes for him. His response late Sunday night was succinct: "I’m strictly focused on beating Colorado," said Leach.



WSU PRESIDENT Kirk Schulz was, as of late this afternoon, planning to meet with Mike Leach today or early tomorrow at the latest to make sure the Cougar football coach knows how much he’s appreciated and to assure him that support for the program will not waver following athletic director Bill Moos’ departure to Nebraska, according to sources familiar with the situation.

Schulz, who has deep experience in the athletic arena, will himself lead the national search for Moos’ replacement.

In contrast to Moos, who did a lot at WSU but came up short in fundraising, the new AD must have the proven ability to generate alumni, fan and corporate financial support for athletics, reliable sources tell CF.C.

“Moos brought our facilities from the Dark Ages to first class, but when it came to fundraising, wow, he was, well, just not very good,” said one source. “If I wasn’t being kind I’d say he was a terrible fundraiser. He was what we needed at the time he was hired and did a very good job, but with the fundraising demands of a Power 5 school, it’s probably best that we move on. He probably knew that too.”

For more on Schulz, Moos and the fundraising matter, click to this CF.C story. Among the nuggets contained therein: Schulz learned of Moos' move to Nebraska via Twitter and, contrary to published reports, was never approached by Moos about a contract extension beyond the existing 2020 deal.

Concern among WSU fans that Leach may follow Moos to Lincoln erupted almost instantly on social media and elsewhere. That’s because the worst-kept secret in college football is that Mike Riley is going to be fired as Nebraska’s coach. Moreover, the general rule in coaching is that it’s far preferable to work under the person who hired you than someone who doesn’t have that personal investment.

The Cougars are 6-1 this season and last week cracked the national top 10 for the first time since 2003. They are No. 15 this week following Friday's loss at Cal.