Mike Leach Passes Away from Heart Complications
MIKE LEACH PASSES AWAY FROM HEART COMPLICATIONS – Mississippi State head coach and college football legend, Mike Leach, died late Monday night from complications of the heart.
Many considered Leach one of the most colorful characters in college football. His offensive innovation propelled him to success at Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State.
In a statement first published by Mississippi State, the Leach family said: “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.”
The best Mike Leach moment pic.twitter.com/EPC7BHaYYQ
— Ben McDonald (@Bmac0507) December 12, 2022
Career and Legacy
Leach amassed a 156-107 (.596) career record in 265 games as head ball coach.
In his ten years at Texas Tech, Leach went 84-43 (.661). He coached some of the school’s most memorable playmakers like Michael Crabtree and Graham Harrell. Leach then spent 8 years at Washington State, where he went 55-47 (.539). His team consistently overperformed in big games.
Leach ended his career with Mississippi State. He went 19-17 (.528) over three years. He capped off a successful 2022 campaign with a win in the Egg Bowl against Ole Miss.
Off the field, Leach was known for his shambling oratory style, sharp sense of humor, and vivid stories. He often began interviews by pontificating on subjects like the most fearsome mascots in the PAC 12, the hardest places to play football, the pros and cons of Halloween candy, and the importance of coffee.
Mike Leach’s Pac 12 mascot battle was an all timer.
Prayers are with him today. pic.twitter.com/Ix6DZNxCET
— Barstool College Football Show (@BarstoolCFB) December 12, 2022
Mississippi Made
I remember when Mississippi State hired Mike Leach three years ago. I lived in Clarksdale at the time. Two days after the school announced the hire, a gigantic billboard appeared on the main artery of town. It featured Leach’s face and the words WELCOME COACH!
Leach brough dignity and respect to an in-state rivalry often mired with ugliness. It may be frustrating to lose to the Bulldogs as an Ole Miss fan, but Leach always made it a little easier. Mississippi embraced him completely and the entire state will now collectively mourn his death.
Our hearts and sympathies are with the Leach family and the Mississippi State Bulldog nation.
For Mike Leach, #ItJustMeansMore noise and louder stadiums in the @SEC pic.twitter.com/6Cl2DqN2ow
— Herb Vincent (@herbvincent) October 5, 2017