Texas Tech coach Mike Leach , wearing a baseball hat, T-shirt, and tennis shoes, flew to Seattle yesterday afternoon from Las Vegas on Alaska Flight 601, according to a fellow passenger.

"I'm positive it was him,'' said Dave Christophersen, who said he immediately recognized Leach and had it reinforced when Leach's wife, Sharon, was called to the counter to upgrade to first class. Flight 601 is scheduled to leave each day at 11:20 a.m. and arrive in Seattle at 2:03 p.m.

So the obvious assumption is that Leach flew to Seattle to interview for the UW head coaching job.

That couldn't be immediately confirmed.

Texas Tech sports information director Chris Cook said he couldn't confirm or deny if Leach flew to Seattle saying he didn't know where Leach was today --- Texas Tech has concluded its regular season.

TT athletic director Gerald Myers could not be reached for comment, and UW officials have said they will not comment on prospective candidates.

Gary O'Hagan, the IMG agent who represents Leach, said that his client was not in Seattle to meet with the Huskies.

However, another source had told the Times last week that UW had contacted Leach and it was expected that more contact would come this week once Tech had completed its regular season. Tech went 11-1 this season and is rated No. 7 in the country.

Christophersen said he's seen Leach on TV enough times to know that the man sitting right in front of him on the flight was indeed the Texas Tech coach.

"I guarantee it was him,'' he said.

KELLY SAYS HE'S STAYING --- Also this morning, the Cincinnati Enquirer is reporting that Bearcats coach Brian Kelly says he's staying put in Cincinnati. Kelly made the announcement today alongside Cincy AD Mike Thomas while announcing a massive stadium renovation.

Kelly said Cincy fans can discount any rumors they hear about him. "I can tell you I'm going to be here at the University of Cincinnati,'' he said.