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Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach states his case that wide receiver Renard Bell (81) scored a touchdown during the first half of a college football game on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. Tyler Tjomsland/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
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Washington State Cougars head coach Mike Leach states his case that wide receiver Renard Bell (81) scored a touchdown during the first half of a college football game on Saturday, October 20, 2018, at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Wash. Tyler Tjomsland/THE SPOKESMAN-REVIEW
Sad news coming in from the football fraternity as Mississippi State University announced the demise of its head coach Michael Charles “Mike” Leach, last night. Reportedly, he suffered from a heart condition that took a toll on his physical health. The veteran was 61.
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Mike Leach was admitted to the Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson; however, his life couldn’t be saved. Meanwhile, the updates on his health status, and ultimately his departure, came from the family. “Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father, and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC as a final act of charity.” the statement read.
MSU Bulldog family, college football community mourns the death of Coach Mike Leachhttps://t.co/LzWyLyX3xM
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 13, 2022
“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,” the family added in their long note.
Here’s Mike Leach talking about ‘the best party he’s ever been to’ back in 2017:
‘It’s called Flora-Bama, right on the border of Florida & Alabama… you go & there’s like 3 different bands plays… a heaping of crawfish for like $5… fantastic people watching.’
🎥@SWXRightNow pic.twitter.com/6UkLkqDd3E
— Brett Greenberg (@74Talk) December 13, 2022
Leach has been a vital asset for the world of college football, leaving his mark with the innovative ‘Air Raid’ offense. Moreover, his creative abilities and power to implement an unorthodox style of play uplifted his status as a great head coach. Back in 2020, Leach assumed charge of Mississippi State as the 34th head coach and has been wrapping up his third season in Starkville.
Similarly, his unparalleled legacy honored him with several accolades, including the National Coach of The Year award twice and thrice the Power 5 conference coach titles. Leach was the eldest son among his five siblings and shared children Janeen, Kimberly, Cody, and Kiersten, along with his wife, Sharon. Meanwhile, his departure took no time to spread like a wildfire, with celebrities across the world condemning his death.
Football fraternity remembers Mike Leach and his unwavering legacy
Over the past four decades, Leach saw generations passing by in front of his eyes. He played a significant role in moulding their careers, especially changing the landscape of HBCUs with innovative techniques. Meanwhile, NFL athletes like Patrick Mahomes and a number of fans mourned the death and extended their support.
Prayers to the Leach family!🙏🏽🙏🏽 True legend of the game!
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) 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
R.I.P. MIKE LEACH. WOW! Life is so short. One day everything is great, the next you’re gone. Prayers to his family.
— 49ers & NFL News 24/7 (@49ersSportsTalk) December 13, 2022
Thinking of our MissSt friends this morning. -from Louisiana 💜💛😢
— nursekort (@nursekort) December 13, 2022
Hate to hear this. He was good for State and the league was a more interesting place with him in it. Prayers.
— Mike Bonds (@NaturalStateReb) December 13, 2022
..preciate that👌🏻
— Perry Johnson (@pdotjay12) December 13, 2022
Prayers for Mike Leach and his family. Godspeed to the Pirate. He will be missed. 😢
— Evie Van Pelt (@OleMissEvie) December 13, 2022
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Heartbroken. The world is a little darker place without Mike Leach’s light. Prayers for the Leach family and the Mississippi State football family and the oh so many lives he has touched both personally and from afar from his career and always entertaining interviews.
— Amy Batson🏴☠️ (@a_bats) December 13, 2022
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Even though time passes by, Leach shall forever be remembered in the hearts of true football fans. Similarly, he was 1-of-1 and had a personality hard to find. The noble soul shall continue to live in our hearts.
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