texas tech and mike leach—a question of loyalty

As the  Texas Tech administration plowed through the confusing saga of Coach Mike Leach and his interaction with student-athlete Adam James, many questions started to surface.  However, the number one question had to be, what kind of leader do we want in our most visible position?  It is pretty clear the Leach had a very strong belief that he was in total control of the program and felt comfortable making arbitrary decisions with little concern for the implications of those decisions.  Interestingly enough this is the same program where Bobby Knight had more than a couple blips on the public relations front yet seemed to always have the support of the administration.  What was the difference?  When Leach pursued the Washington head job just months after signing his $12 million five year deal, he demonstrated no loyalty to Texas Tech and for all intent alienated all the administration who had supported the new contract.  On the other hand, Coach Knight always had strong support and a good relationship with AD Gerald Meyers.  When the ugly situation with James surfaced, the equity he had gained from his wins on the field were not going to trump the lack of loyalty to the Administration and the University.   Coach Leach had no no advocates in the decision-making positions and all his .  That lack of loyalty coupled with a dose of arrogance led to the final outcome.  Remember leaders need advocates at every level.