Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach passed away last night at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Leach, according to the schools press release, passed away following complications from a heart condition. Leach was hospitalized on Sunday Night
The Leach family said in a statement released by the school “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. 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.”
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Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum also released a statement as well.
“Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. His innovative “Air Raid” offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.
Leach was a head coach for the past 22 years at the college level starting at Texas Tech form 2000-2009 then moved west to coach the Washington State Cougars from 2012-2019 before his move to Starkville.
Throughout his time as a coach, for almost four decades at the college level, Leach was truly an innovator. His air raid style of offense led to his career 158-107 record while his teams consistently led the nation in passing between his time at Texas Tech and Washington State.
Leach’s 158 career wins were second among active coaches in the SEC and fifth in all of college football. Leach’s legacy will live on throughout college football as he has influenced and mentored many players and coaches throughout his life as a coach.
