Mike Leach and Rich Rodriguez have long been an interesting contrast as offensive-minded head coaches.
Rodriguez has long been known for his rushing attack in a spread option offense, Leach for his “Air Raid” passing attack. Both are considered offensive innovators for the way they introduced new concepts to calling plays, and there have been plenty of copycats around the country since.
But who is the greater mastermind?
It might not be a question that can be answered, considering their wildly different philosophies throughout the years.
Consider:
In 12 of Leach’s 14 seasons before this year, his quarterbacks have attempted at least 500 passes. Rodriguez had never even passed 300 passing attempts in a season before coming to Arizona.
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On the flipside, in 10 of Rodriguez’s 14 seasons, his starting running back has rushed the ball at least 200 times. Leach has never had a running back carry the ball 200 times.
To dive deeper into this offensive coaching comparison, we gathered up some stats and facts to see how Leach and Rodriguez compare.
10-win seasons
Rodriguez: 4
Leach: 1
8-win seasons
Rodriguez: 9
Leach: 9
Losing seasons
Rodriguez: 2
Leach: 2
Consensus All-Americans, offense
Rodriguez: 3 (RB Ka’Deem Carey, RB Steve Slaton, OL Dan Mozes)
Leach: 2 (WR Michael Crabtree, OL Brandon Carter)
Best offensive season
Rodriguez: 2006. West Virginia averaged 38.8 points and 461.4 yards per game.
Leach: 2003. Texas Tech averaged 42.5 points and 582.8 yards per game.
Bowl wins
Rodriguez: 5
Leach: 6
3,000-yard passers
Rodriguez: 2
Leach: 13
4,000-yard passers
Rodriguez: 0
Leach: 9
5,000-yard passers
Rodriguez: 0
Leach: 4
1,000-yard rushers
Rodriguez: 12
Leach: 0
900-yard rushers
Rodriguez: 16
Leach: 1
1,000-yard receivers
Rodriguez: 3
Leach: 14
Seasons scoring 35 or more points per game
Rodriguez: 4
Leach: 7
Seasons averaging more than 400 yards per game
Rodriguez: 9
Leach: 12
Best individual seasons, by position
Rodriguez:
QB Pat White (2006, 1,655 passing yards, 1,219 rushing yards, 31 total TDs)
RB Ka’Deem Carey (2012, 1,929 rushing yards, 23 TDs)
WR Austin Hill (2012, 81 catches, 1,364 yards, 11 TDs)
Leach:
QB Graham Harrell (2007, 5,705 passing yards, 48 TDs, 14 INT)
RB Shannon Woods (2006, 926 rushing yards, 10 TDs)
WR Michael Crabtree (2007, 134 catches, 1,962 yards, 22 TDs)
