The former Texas Tech coaching star kind of expressed his interest in the Minnesota job on his Sirius satellite radio show Monday morning.

Asked by the host specifically about the Minnesota job Leach said, "I'm in a position to listen to anybody."

Leach's name immediately popped up after Tim Brewster was fired on Sunday after 3 1/2 seasons. Minnesota AD Joel Maturi reportedly pursued Tony Dungy who declined but then offered his help in the search.

Leach is in the process of dealing with his lawsuit against his old employer, Texas Tech. Other than that, he's one of the hottest coaching properties out there -- a proven commodity armed with plenty of pirate history.

Message boards and Twitter have lit up with the names of some outlandish replacements for Brewster. Jim Harbaugh? Gary Patterson, Chris Petersen? C'mon, get real. More realistic candidates include Vikings DC Leslie Frazier and San Diego State head coach Brady Hoke.

The program hasn't finished above fourth place in the Big Ten since 1986 and hasn't beaten a ranked team since 2005.

"You're not following Vince Lombardi here," AD Joel Maturi said.

"I haven't given it much thought," Leach continued. "But it's a good program, it's in the Big Ten."