
Photos (Associated Press): Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn, left, appears stern, thoughtful and entirely too close to the camera. Former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach, right, appears much the same.
Unless we're not reading the Maryland search committee right, it appears as if former Texas Tech coach Mike Leach and Auburn offensive coordinator Gus Malzahn are the front runners for Ralph Friedgen's old job in College Park. Crazier things have happened where a surprise candidate emerges, but I don't think Jim Harbaugh will suddenly have an urge to move close to his brother.
So let's assess the strengths and weaknesses of Leach and Malzahn to see who might be a better fit for the Terps.
Exciting the fan base: From the moment that first-year athletic director Kevin Anderson said that it was a “business decision” not to retain Friedgen, it meant that his successor would have to fill seats immediately at Byrd Stadium. Given that Leach’s Air Raid offense led to Texas Tech’s stadium being expanded twice during his tenure, Leach’s arrival would bring an immediate bump in season ticket sales and possibly in some buying up those empty suites. Malzahn might have to prove himself a little before that happened. EDGE: LEACH
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