Leach Introduced At Packed Press Conference In Pullman - SWX Right Now-Sports for Spokane, CdA, Tri-Cities, WA

Mike Leach is now officially the head coach at Washington State, much to the delight of hundreds of fans – including many of his players – who were in attendance of a news conference Tuesday morning in Pullman.

Leach made his way to the stage at the Compton Union Building on campus shortly after noon. After a few formalities from the school administration, Director of Athletics Bill Moos introduced Leach as the school's new football coach.

"I talked to one man, and I only wanted one man," said Moos.

After thanking Moos and all the former coaches at WSU dating back to Jim Walden, Leach said he was thrilled to get back into coaching. Why get back into coaching?

"Once I get passed in the back of my mind the thinking, ‘Well, that's a stupid question', I roll that through my mind but I don't say it. And then I immediately blurt out the very obvious answer, the commitment of excellence in every phase of the university, the excitement around the community, and the fact that you can win here and win big."

As for any long-term plan, Leach said he opts instead for shorter ones.

"I have one day plans, win one game a week, you know…" he said, which made the crowd chuckle and applaud.

After a whirlwind tour that includes a stop in Seattle on Tuesday, Leach said he would get down to the business of hiring a staff and recruiting "new Cougars". He said he would look at former assistants he had while at Texas Tech, and others. David Emrick is the only official hire so far and will fill the role as "chief of staff", the same position he held while at Texas Tech. He has spent the past two seasons as recruiting coordinator for the University of Arizona.

"I'm thrilled to be here," said Leach.