Mike Leach leaving WSU for Mississippi State

PULLMAN, Wash. — Former Washington State University head football coach Mike Leach has been named the next head coach of Mississippi State University.

Mississippi State University Athletic Director John Cohen confirmed the deal in a tweet on Thursday.

Leach was named head coach of Washington State on Nov. 30, 2011. In eight seasons with the Cougars, Leach compiled a 55-47 record overall and a 36-36 record in the PAC 12.

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Leach went 2-4 in bowl games and was 1-7 in Apple Cups with Washington State.

Mississippi State fired head coach Joe Moorhead on Jan. 3 after finishing 6-7 this season.

Before coming to Washington State, Leach led Texas Tech University to an 84-43 overall record over 10 seasons. Leach was fired by Texas Tech on Dec. 28, 2009.

In 18 seasons as a head coach, Leach has a 139-90 record overall.

Washington State University University President Kirk Schulz and Director of Athletics Pat Chun sent the following statement on Leach’s departure:

“On behalf of Washington State, we would like to thank Coach Leach for his eight years of service to the Cougars. Mike has transformed Washington State Football into a national brand and we will be forever grateful. We wish he and Sharon nothing but the best in their next chapter at Mississippi State. Now we look forward to elevating the Cougs to the highest levels of college football.”

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