In a sad piece of news, Mike Leach, one of the legendary coaches in college football, took his last breath on Tuesday. According to reports, he passed away at the age of 61 due to a complication in his heart. Notably, he was the former head coach of the Texas Tech football team for almost 9 years and practically revolutionized the game. After hearing the news of his passing, many NFL players and coaches, including Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, Robert Griffin, and others, paid tribute to the great man.
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Notably, Leach was famously known for his air raid offense, which he often used during his time at Texas Tech. With Texas Tech in the NCAA division, he won countless trophies both individually and as a team. He had recently joined Mississippi State before his sad passing.
Patrick Mahomes, Dak Prescott, and others paid tribute to legendary coach Mike Leach
After the unfortunate news, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes took to Twitter and wrote,
Prayers to the Leach family!đđ˝đđ˝ True legend of the game!
â Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 13, 2022
On the other hand, the Dallas Cowboys QB, Dak Prescott, also paid tribute to coach Leach,
âMy Thoughts & Prayers are with the Leach Family! Thank you for your Impact on the game and the Lives you coached! You will be missed, Rest Easy Pirate.â pic.twitter.com/SkzhIGgTqh
â Dak Prescott (@dak) December 13, 2022
Speaking about the Cowboys, the owner, Jerry Jones, recently got emotional and talked about the passing of Leach. He said, âBoy, heâs going to be missed⌠My best to his family. I know his boys have been at Arkansas a couple years â not a couple years, but several years. So, Iâm just real sad for their family and certainly pay tribute to Mikeâs career.â
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Meanwhile, Texas Tech, the former team of coach Leach, posted an emotional message on Twitter.
Forever one of the most innovative minds in history.
Our entire department mourns the passing of Coach Leach. pic.twitter.com/wcsXhDMLTK
â Texas Tech Red Raiders (@TechAthletics) December 13, 2022
Former NFL quarterback Robert Griffin also posted a heartfelt message for the legendary coach.
So sad to hear of Mike Leachâs passing. Praying for his family and loved ones.
â Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) December 13, 2022
Coach Bob Stoops, another legendary coach in college football, took to Twitter and shared some lovely words for his colleague.
RIP Mike my friend, youâll always be cherished by Sooner Nation! Love and peace to Sharon and your children. pic.twitter.com/BunOTeLuTC
â Bob Stoops (@CoachBobStoops) December 13, 2022
Another young coach in college football, Lincoln Riley, tweeted an emotional message as well.
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 friendđ pic.twitter.com/C43e2MZvBB
â Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 13, 2022
Apart from them, a few NFL franchises like the Cardinals also posted a tribute tweet, and their head coach Kliff Kingsbury also shared some heart-touching words for coach Leach.
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We mourn the loss of Coach Mike Leach. Our thoughts are with his family and the Mississippi State football community.@KliffKingsbury shared his thoughts on the passing of his college coach. pic.twitter.com/Qb87WvqqFX
â Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) December 13, 2022
Notably, Leach joined the Texas state back in 2000 and stayed there for 9 years before shifting to Washington State. Then, he joined Mississippi State back in 2020;
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Meanwhile, the Mississippi will play Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on January 2nd. Certainly, it will be tough for the players to play the game on 2nd January without their coach. However, they will most likely play the game to honor their late coach.
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