PULLMAN - As many Washington State fans had feared, coach Mike Leach was absent Friday as the Cougars began preparation for the Holiday Bowl.

But it wasn't because he landed a job elsewhere.

Foggy conditions at the Pullman-Moscow Regional Airport scrambled travel plans for Leach and a small number of his assistant coaches. So graduate assistants played a more prominent role than usual in directing drills as the Cougars staged a two-hour practice in misty, frigid conditions at Martin Stadium.

"It was kind of weird, but having the GA's and the other assistant coaches helped us, brought some energy to the table," WSU running back Jamal Morrow said.

The No. 21 Cougars (9-3) are making their second trip to the Holiday Bowl in as many years, facing No. 18 Michigan State (9-3) on Dec. 28 at San Diego.

In a frenzied postseason coaching shuffle, Leach's name was unofficially mentioned in connection with openings at Nebraska, Tennessee, Arkansas and Oregon. There was also an vacancy at Florida State, which was one of Leach's favorite programs at one point in his life.

But all those positions have been filled, and the Seattle Times reported Friday that WSU president Kirk Schulz hopes to meet with Leach soon to discuss a contract extension.

On another subject, Schulz told the Times that former Tennessee athletic director John Currie is not a candidate for WSU's vacancy at that position. There had been speculation he'd be considered, partly because of his close ties to Schulz and partly because Leach reportedly met Currie in Los Angeles last week during Tennessee's coaching search. Currie was suspended by the school a day after the reported meeting and was eventually fired.

Nonetheless, Leach's transition from December recruiting duties to bowl preparation was delayed. He was scheduled to arrive on a flight from Seattle to Pullman at mid-afternoon Friday, but his plane was prevented from landing by fog and was eventually sent back to Seattle. It was a similar situation for a number of his assistants.

That didn't prevent players from shaking off some rust after a two-week hiatus. The Cougars finished their regular season with a disheartening loss Nov. 25 at Washington that knocked them out of the Pac-12 title game.

"It was definitely kind of tough," Morrow said of the loss. "We had to dwell and feel sorry for ourselves. We took some time off and got our minds right, and it felt good getting back out here."

Leach's absence apparently prevented him from meeting with receiver Isaiah Johnson-Mack, who is trying to transfer to a school closer to his Florida home but has indicated through Twitter that Leach has declined to release him. Leach had told a WSU spokesman that he planned to discuss the matter with Johnson-Mack on Friday.

The sophomore outside receiver didn't appear to be at practice. C.J. Dimry, who normally plays the X position, spent some time at Johnson-Mack's Z spot, while slotback Brandon Arconado filled in at X.

---

Grummert may be contacted at daleg@lmtribune.com or (208) 848-2290.