[Goose]

My guess, and it is only a guess, is that if Leach ends up staying, all is forgiven until and unless the losses start piling up.

I think it will be more like everyone will be polite and not talk about the fact Leach wants to be gone until the losses pile up. Leach has a contract that auto-renews a 1 year extension unless either he or the administration gives written notice that that will not continue. That way, he always has a 5 year contract. If WSU finishes a season at around .500, I wouldn't be amazed if there was a lot of talk about pulling the auto-renewal. Problem is, who would want the job that would do better? The AD will have a Hobson's choice. However, as ASU has proven, that doesn't necessarily eliminate plan B.  :)

However, I think the most valuable coaching commodity in Pullman lately is Alex Grinch. WSU has been known for offense, my impression has been that they recruit better for offense (not sure), but lately their defense has been by far the better unit and more responsible for the wins.

For example, WSU is #97 in the country in offense-FEI and #8 in defense-FEI. I think you will find similar disparity in other advanced stats. I am very impressed with what Grinch put together with an undersized front and not particularly awesome individual talent. [One first team all-conference DL (Mata'afa), one second team all-conference DB (Thompson) who was among the multi-way tie for the final spot, one LB honorable mention (Luvu).]

Grinch has for sure done a great job. If he doesn't get what he considers a better offer, it will be interesting to see if he can sustain the situation. I believe that his defense has been to some degree a "gimmick", and that as the PAC-12 North gets used to it, it can be defeated. UW certainly showed how it can be overcome. We should be able to do the same. However, Grinch was using what he had to the best effect possible. If he gets some bigger guys up front, he may be able to be more conventional and even more effective.

[Goose]

My guess, and it is only a guess, is that if Leach ends up staying, all is forgiven until and unless the losses start piling up.

I think it will be more like everyone will be polite and not talk about the fact Leach wants to be gone until the losses pile up. Leach has a contract that auto-renews a 1 year extension unless either he or the administration gives written notice that that will not continue. That way, he always has a 5 year contract. If WSU finishes a season at around .500, I wouldn't be amazed if there was a lot of talk about pulling the auto-renewal. Problem is, who would want the job that would do better? The AD will have a Hobson's choice. However, as ASU has proven, that doesn't necessarily eliminate plan B.  :)

However, I think the most valuable coaching commodity in Pullman lately is Alex Grinch. WSU has been known for offense, my impression has been that they recruit better for offense (not sure), but lately their defense has been by far the better unit and more responsible for the wins.

For example, WSU is #97 in the country in offense-FEI and #8 in defense-FEI. I think you will find similar disparity in other advanced stats. I am very impressed with what Grinch put together with an undersized front and not particularly awesome individual talent. [One first team all-conference DL (Mata'afa), one second team all-conference DB (Thompson) who was among the multi-way tie for the final spot, one LB honorable mention (Luvu).]

Grinch has for sure done a great job. If he doesn't get what he considers a better offer, it will be interesting to see if he can sustain the situation. I believe that his defense has been to some degree a "gimmick", and that as the PAC-12 North gets used to it, it can be defeated. UW certainly showed how it can be overcome. We should be able to do the same. However, Grinch was using what he had to the best effect possible. If he gets some bigger guys up front, he may be able to be more conventional and even more effective.