Lyle Steps Down - Ruffin McNeill interim DC

No, I am not kidding.

http://www.lubbockonline.com/updates/update3.shtml

Story last updated at 4:57 p.m. Sunday, September 23, 2007

Tech defensive coordinator Setencich resigns
FROM STAFF REPORTS

Texas Tech coach Mike Leach named Ruffin McNeill interim defensive coordinator Sunday after former defensive coordinator Lyle Setencich resigned for personal reasons, according to a release sent out by the school around 4:45 p.m.

Tech athletic director Gerald Myers stated that Setencich will be assigned to other duties.

"We appreciate Lyle and the work he did for our program," Leach said. "We wish him and his family the best."

McNeill will take over the defensive coordinator role on an interim basis and coach the linebacker group. McNeill previously served as defensive tackles coach and special teams coordinator, a position that now will be split amongst the staff. Defensive ends coach Charlie Sadler will take over coaching duties on the defensive line.

Mike Leach is becoming a head coach and not just an offensive coordinator. He had to accept the resignation of a friend today - and while there will be much speculation as to whether he was fires or allowed to step down, Coach Leach has stepped up.

6:43p - Notes

Coach Leach in yesterday's post-game talk:

"We start by addressing it and call it what it is. I think perhaps I've candy-coated some of this a little too much in the past," Leach said. "Second of all, as coaches, you put pressure on yourself to improve because ultimately the blame lies there.

"The third thing that you do is anybody who is not on board, you get rid of them. It doesn't matter if it's a player or a coach or somebody in the background or some support staff. If they're not on board, you get rid of them. It's all very simple."

It seems that by dinnertime last Coach Leach had in mind what needed to be addressed today. Who can disagree that he "candy-coated" too much of it in the past?

We learned today that the head coach, the AD and school leadership are no longer going to "wait until next year." I am just so happy to see this type of change - I'm going to call the Red Raider Club on my way to Austin tomorrow and send them some more money. Seriously.

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