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Washington State coach Mike Leach shuts down rumors of Tennessee interest

Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach reacts to a targeting call on defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa during the second half. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)
Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach reacts to a targeting call on defensive lineman Hercules Mata’afa during the second half. (Tyler Tjomsland / The Spokesman-Review)Buy a print of this photo
By Theo Lawson theol@spokesman.com(509) 459-5584

SEATTLE – Washington State coach Mike Leach has no plans on leaving the Cougars soon, despite a FootballScoop report that linked him to the vacant position at Tennessee.

According to the report, which surfaced Saturday morning, the WSU coach “seems to have a very good shot at being offered the position (at Tennessee).” The article also said Leach “would accept the position if offered.”

Following a 41-14 loss in the Apple Cup, Leach shot down the rumor and said, “I can’t speak to rumors I don’t know anything about, really.”

Added Leach: “The biggest thing is I’m focused on Washington State, excited about that and we’re going to a great bowl and I for one couldn’t be happier.”

The FootballScoop report also noted that if Leach were to accept the Tennessee job, “Washington State would move without hesitation to promote defensive coordinator Alex Grinch.”