There has been an enormous amount of media attention directed toward Washington State University and its hiring of Mike Leach as the new football coach. Will he be successful recruiting to the town of Pullman? Will he be able to tolerate the cold winters? Will he be successful at WSU only to pull out and jump at the first offer for a better job like those that I remember from the early 7os when I attended the university–names like Jackie Sherrill and Dennis Erickson.

Before I became a physician, I used to recruit them.  Let me shed some light on the subject of recruitment. It is not about Mike Leach. It is more about his wife!

Case in point, where is Tony Bennett and why did he leave WSU after successful trips to the NCAA playoffs and the Sweet Sixteen? Because his wife was not from around this small town tucked near the Idaho border in Eastern Washington. There isn’t a Nordstroms in Pullman just yet. In fact, there isn’t even a Costco.  I know, I’ve been there.

While physicians are building their practices, saving lives, and stamping out disease, their wives (spouses) are bored to death at home unless there is something more for them to do than a quick trip to the general store or saddle and tack shop. And for a successful football coach who will spend 100 hours a week in the office or on the road, the same story will play out for his wife.

Check out her needs, wants, and family life and you’ll have the answer to Mike Leach’s longevity in the Palouse.