Mike Leach, Mississippi State football coach, dead at 61
Mike Leach, one of the most colorful coaches in college football, is dead at 61.
Leach, the head coach of Mississippi State, had been listed in critical condition earlier Monday after reportedly sustaining a massive heart attack. Reports of Leach suffering a severe medical issue first surfaced on Sunday afternoon as the college football world prayed for the innovative coach.
“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather,” Leach’s family said in a statement. “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.”
Leach had coached Mississippi State since 2020. Prior to that, he coached Washington State from 2012-19 and Texas Tech from 2000-09. He was the Big 12 coach of the year in 2008 and the Pac-12 coach of the year in 2015 and 2018. Leach had a 158-107 career record, including 8-9 in bowl games.
Leach was known as an offensive guru who coined the phrase “air raid” offense.
“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,” Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum said. “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.
“Mike’s death also underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. Three weeks ago, Mike and I were together in the locker room celebrating a hard-fought victory in Oxford. Mike Leach truly embraced life and lived in such a manner as to leave no regrets. That’s a worthy legacy. May God bless the Leach family during these days and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog family go with them.”
Leach is survived by his wife wife Sharon and four children: Janeen, Kimberly, Cody and Kiersten. Leach was the oldest of six siblings and was raised in Wyoming.
Leach was known for a dry wit, where people would want to hear him talk about hating candy corn or owning a pet raccoon or advising engaged couples to elope instead of throwing a lavish wedding. He was particularly fond of pirates, and collected their memorabilia, and generally knowledgeable of American history.
“Truly saddened by the death of a good friend and special man,” legendary former Kansas State head coach Bill Snyder tweeted on Monday night, albeit a little prematurely. “Mike Leach will always remain special in my heart and the hearts of many. Not only a unique and talented coach, but one who taught life lessons to so many young men whose lives he changed for the better. Rest In Peace.”
Mississippi State is scheduled to play Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2. Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was named the interim coach once Leach was hospitalized.
