Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach stunned the football world with his sudden passing. Leach’s unfortunate demise, reportedly caused by a heart condition, is deeply mourned by all those who were impacted by the legend. Fans across the board conveyed their heartfelt messages of comfort as they remembered Leach’s legacy. ‘Pirate’ as he was affectionately known, had nothing short of an illustrious career.
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Mike Leach has left an indelible mark on college football. More than just victories on the field, Leach has shaped the lives and careers of numerous individuals who will be eternally grateful for the role he played in molding them. While many assumed that Leach would be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame, that is not the case. Fox analyst RJ Young brought the matter up on Twitter. Young’s tweet demanded a change in the NFF rule that made Leach ineligible for induction. So, what rule is Young referring to?
Fans demand HOF induction of Mike Leach
Young’s tweet said, “1. Mike Leach isn’t eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame because he didn’t win 60 percent of his games as a head coach. 2. He won 59.6 percent of all games he coached. 3. Change this rule, [NFF Network.] Leach is a hall of fame coach.” The National Football Foundation’s policy states that in order to be eligible for HOF induction, a coach must have had a minimum of 10 years of coaching experience, coach at least 100 games and have a .600 winning percentage.
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It also stipulates that coaches become eligible three years after they retire or soon if they retire at the age of 70. Leach, who suddenly passed away aged 61, has a winning percentage of .596, which is frustratingly close to the required percentage. Fans online chimed in and conveyed what they thought of the situation. This user passionately exclaims.
This is a truly absurd rule that makes zero sense. The job of a Hall of Fame college football coach is to mold men, not win football games. Coach Leach did this, with every lfe he touched, as good as anyone I've ever seen.
— Greyson Ruback (@Greyson2020) December 13, 2022
Another fan may have a point, but unfortunately, data doesn’t work like that
I learned in school 59.6% rounds up to 60%.
— Caleb George (@calebcgeorge13) December 13, 2022
Another fan says that this exception should be made
If you eliminate the Covid season he’s in. That should be an exception as was everything else in 2020.
— Left Field Lounger (@LFLatMSU) December 13, 2022
Another user has thoughts about how these rules are made
It’s crazy because if a coach had a .599 winning % for 30 years coaching at Duke/Vandy he’s ineligible but a guy coaching 10 years at Alabama with a .600 winning % is, one is far more impressive and deserving than the other…
— Jonathan Hagee (@CoachJHagee) December 13, 2022
This user makes a comment on the untimely death of the legend. Leach would’ve undoubtedly surpassed the minimum requirement if he had more time
Should totally be an exception since he didn't retire from the sport. Were he to win the bowl and have the same record next season, which is very likely, he has a 60.07% win percentage.
— Thomas Ricks (@Thomas_Ricks) December 14, 2022
Another fan states his stance loud and clear
Mike changed the game. He deserves HOF
— Pirates of Mississippi State (@PiratesofMissSt) December 13, 2022
One user says that Leach is deserving of this honor and an exception must be made
Don’t change the rule, just make an exception for Leach.. these aren’t normal circumstances
— _Geaux_Taylor_ (@_Geaux_LSU) December 13, 2022
While many argued that the rules exist for a reason, others chimed in, stating the various nuances that make this situation different.
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Leach will continue to be revered in the football world
Mike Leach’s contributions to college football extend beyond the confines of the field. His untimely demise has perhaps denied the world of a greater career on and off the field. College football and NFL fans across the board will continue to reminisce about the greatness of the legendary coach. Leach has supplied the college football world with iconic moments that will forever be cherished.
While statistics account for the performance of an individual’s performance and abilities, they cannot contain other traits that contribute to the betterment of the sport. Mike Leach has impacted the lives of players for the better. His legacy will live on. The college football world will continue to propagate Leach’s legacy. A number may not encompass all that Leach offered in the last few decades.
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