COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: Savannah State coach abruptly resigns; Texas Tech says James threatened lawsuit over son

SAVANNAH — Savannah State football coach Robby Wells has resigned, citing personal reasons.

Wells says in a statement issued Thursday night that he has to think about his family and health before anything else and wished his players well.

The 42-year-old coach went 7-15 in his two years at the Football Championship Series program, including a 2-8 effort last season.

Interim athletic director Marilynn Suggs named Julius Dixon the interim head coach. Dixon was recently named defensive line coach, but previously was defensive coordinator and defensive backs coach.

A nationwide search for a permanent coach begins immediately.

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INTERESTING TURN IN LEACH LAWSUIT:

LUBBOCK, Texas — The father of injured Texas Tech receiver Adam James threatened to sue the university if it didn’t investigate then-coach Mike Leach, according to a memo released Wednesday.

Texas Tech University System attorney Ronny Wall wrote in the Tuesday memo to the Texas attorney general that the threat came during a Dec. 20 exchange with James’ father, ESPN sports analyst Craig James. The Lubbock Avalanche-Journal obtained a copy of the memo in response to an open records request.

The university fired Leach on Dec. 30, two days after suspending him amid allegations he mistreated Adam James, who was recovering from a concussion. The receiver says Leach twice ordered him to stand for hours while confined in a dark place during practice.

Leach denied the allegations, and responded to his firing with a lawsuit against the university, alleging libel, slander and breach of contract.

The Tech memo says James’ father “indicated that litigation could ensue” if Tech didn’t investigate Leach “for the improper treatment” of his son.

“The threat did not appear to be an idle threat as the parent expressed genuine concern for the health and well-being of his injured child, as well as other student-athletes,” the memo continued.

James spokesman Scott McLaughlin issued a statement late Wednesday saying James never threatened to sue Texas Tech.

“Further, Texas Tech initiated its investigation of its own accord,” he said.