The college football world mourned the loss of one of its biggest personalities, innovators and teachers when news broke that Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach had died Monday night at the age of 61. Leach had been hospitalized since Sunday and was in critical condition after he reportedly suffered a major heart attack at his home.
"Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather," Leach's family wrote in a statement, via Mississippi State. "He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC (University of Mississippi Medical Center) as a final act of charity. We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father's life."
"Mike was an innovator, pioneer and visionary," MSU interim athletics director Bracky Brett said. "He was a college football icon, a coaching legend but an even better person," said Brett. "We are all better for having known Mike Leach. The thoughts and prayers of Mississippi State University and the entire Bulldog family are with his wife Sharon, his children and the entire Leach family."
SEC commissioner Greg Sankey also released a statement about Leach – noting his legacy, humor and affect on the collegiate game.
Statement from @SEC Commissioner @GregSankey. pic.twitter.com/5K9JeBvfu8
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 13, 2022
'You changed my life and so many others' – fellow coaches remember Leach
USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who played for and coached with Leach at Texas Tech, was among the first to share his thoughts on Leach. Riley learned the infamous Air Raid offense from his time with Leach and brought it with him to his successful coaching stints at East Carolina, Oklahoma and USC.
Coach-
You will certainly be missed, but your impact on so many will live on-
Thankful for every moment. You changed my life and so many others.
All of our prayers are with Sharon & the Leach family-
Rest In Peace my friend🙏 pic.twitter.com/C43e2MZvBB
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 13, 2022
North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, who battled against Leach multiple times when Brown was at Texas and Leach was at Texas Tech, also offered his condolences.
Today is a sad day in the world of college football. Mike Leach was an innovative football mind, who kept us on our toes. I always enjoyed facing off with him over the years.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family and friends during this difficult time. 🙏💙🙏
— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) December 13, 2022
Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who set school and college football records during his time as Leach's starting quarterback at Texas Tech, called Leach "a mentor, a friend and one of the most special people I've ever met."
Statement from Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury on the passing of Mike Leach, who was the head coach at Texas Tech during Kingsbury’s record-setting career as a QB there: pic.twitter.com/yleLkRHIOK
— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) December 13, 2022
'I will never forget everything you taught me' – players on Leach's lessons and legend
Current Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers joined the Bulldogs as a freshman in 2020 the same year Leach took the job in Starkville. Since then, Rogers has completed 70.8 percent of his passes for 10,428 yards, 81 touchdowns and 22 interceptions in Leach's offense.
Rogers was one of the first of Leach's players to share his feelings about his coach.
I was in 1st grade when Graham threw the ball to Crabtree against Texas. Thank you for giving me a chance as a 17 year old. From Wazzu, to Mississippi State I will never forget everything you taught me and the relationship we had. I will see you again someday coach. #RIPpic.twitter.com/2gBYxkKRAj
— Will Rogers (@Wrogers__2) December 13, 2022
Former Texas Tech quarterback Davis Webb played his first three collegiate seasons for Leach at Texas Tech before he transferred to Cal for his senior season. He mentioned some of the most important offensive schemes and plays he learned during his time with Leach.
Coach Mike Leach, Thank You for Your Impact on the game and so many lives. From Mesh, ACE/Blue, Napkin GP, Pirates, 6, and the #AirRaid. So many former players and former coaches have influenced my life because of You. Truly a Pioneer #SwingYourSword
— Davis Webb (@Davis_Webb5) December 13, 2022
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn't play for Leach during his time at Texas Tech but still noted how important Leach was to the game of football.
Prayers to the Leach family!🙏🏽🙏🏽 True legend of the game!
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 13, 2022
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott — who went to Mississippi State — paid tribute to Leach, thanking him for his work at the university. Prescott and Leach did not overlap at the college.
Cowboys QB Dak Prescott pays tribute to Mike Leach’s impact on his alma mater.
“Thank you for your impact on the lives you coaches and our university,” Dak wrote. “Rest easy pirate.” pic.twitter.com/L3QWAkesHr
— Jori Epstein (@JoriEpstein) December 13, 2022
Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu, who played for Leach at Washington State, posted a photo of the two of them together In Pullman.
Lost a Great one today!! RIP Coach Leach🙏🏽 “Either you coaching it Or allowing it to happen” pic.twitter.com/tYFlG5NkJC
— Frankie Luvu (@frankluvu7) December 13, 2022
'RIP to a football original' – media members recall Leach's unique personality
"[Mike Leach was] the smartest coach I've ever been around. … He's one of the truly irreplaceable figures in the history of the game. Records are one thing … but the legacy that one leaves behind is what I heard from his many friends and coaching colleagues."
—@finebaumpic.twitter.com/JwIamgWCnW
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 13, 2022
RIP to a football original. Mike Leach was 1 of 1. Thoughts are with his family and loved ones. https://t.co/MlEjwCAtFJ
— Nick Baumgardner (@nickbaumgardner) December 13, 2022
So incredibly sad. Mike Leach was the best. Just a unique, awesome person. https://t.co/3ekgicv3SG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2022
Mike Leach was basically a family member for anyone in college football media: weird, hilarious, frustrating, don't EVER talk politics with him, and no outsider better say a SINGLE bad word about him — only *family's* allowed to do that.
I'm going to miss having him around.
— Bill Connelly (@ESPN_BillC) December 13, 2022
Mike Leach was 1-of-1. He was one of the best characters in sports and was an innovator that helped change football. In a world where coaches are corporate and mostly the same, he stood out because he was genuinely himself.
This is a terrible day for college football.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) December 13, 2022
Our broadcasting team had the privilege of calling the last game of Coach Mike Leach’s distinguished career. The spirit and character his team played with that night embodied what I came to think of him as a coach and leader. My condolences to all who loved him. RIP coach. 🙏🏾
— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 13, 2022
Mike Leach’s fingerprints are all over college football. The game would not be what it is today without him. And, as a person, he was one of one. Such a loss
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 13, 2022
Favorite Leach moments
When news reached Twitter about Leach's hospitalization, many shared their favorite and most iconic Leach moments from his time as a coach.
Mike Leach giving marriage advice might be my all-time favorite sports interview. RIP Coach Leach. 🙏🏼 pic.twitter.com/CUlhC5oFAk
— Brandon Saho (@BrandonSaho) December 13, 2022
My favorite thing Mike Leach did at Washington State was choose Jamal Morrow to be team captain solely based on his performance on "The Price is Right" pic.twitter.com/uV3I8B6GPg
— Sam Cooper (@SamDCooper) December 13, 2022
Not sure any coach better reflected the fun and uniqueness that is college football than Mike Leach. This is a big loss for the sport. I’ll never tire of watching this clip: pic.twitter.com/8RMe3FqPeO
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) December 13, 2022
Ever tracked a raccoon? Mike Leach has. An all-time tale from the #WSU coach. pic.twitter.com/p1fx2V1zlo
— Theo Lawson (@TheoLawson_SR) April 11, 2018
Sharks, tigers, & gorillas, oh my! Enjoy @Coach_Leach breaking down the best mascots in the country: pic.twitter.com/GD1DxkfZlC
— Lindsay Joy (@LindsayJoyTV) November 7, 2017
Who else loves cargo shorts? pic.twitter.com/AtjRroBbyx
— Mike Leach (@Coach_Leach) March 4, 2022
Louisiana Tech HC Sonny Cumbie (@SCumbie_LaTech) played QB for Mike Leach at Texas Tech in 2004 & coached against him last year (Liberty Bowl).
"All the opportunities and belief we have now originates because Mike Leach believed in us when others didn't"
More: pic.twitter.com/vdu2EuWUOg
— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) December 13, 2022
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