Texas Tech coach Mike Leach has to clear some more space on his mantel.
A day after being named the recipient of the George Munger Award from the Maxwell Football Club as the national college Coach of the Year, Leach was named Wednesday as the winner of the Woody Hayes Award. The award, named after the legendary former Ohio State coach, is given to the nation’s top college coach.“I’m just thrilled to death and I’m surprised,’’ Leach said. “I’m excited, and it’s truly an honor. “It’s really a thrill, and it’s especially a thrill when you consider how many good teams there are and how many great coaches there are in this country. Especially this year in (the Big 12) conference.’’Leach will be presented with the award at the 54th Annual Touchdown Club of Columbus Sports Awards banquet on Feb. 7 in Columbus, Ohio. Tech wide receiver Michael Crabtree will also be in Columbus to receive the Paul Warfield Award for the second straight year for being named the nation’s top receiver.Leach guided Tech to an 11-1 record and a berth in the Jan. 2 Cotton Bowl against Mississippi. The Red Raiders also tied Oklahoma and Texas for the Big 12 South title, all sporting 7-1 records.Now in his ninth season with the Raiders, Leach also is a finalist for the Paul “Bear” Bryant award.Have more to add? News tip? Tell us
