College Football World Remembers Mike Leach, Late Mississippi State Coach

Players, coaches and media members reflected on the 61-year-old’s immense contributions to the sport after his death on Monday night.

Mississippi State coach Mike Leach died Monday night due to complications from a heart condition, his family announced through the school. He was 61 years old.

“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,” his family said in a statement released by Mississippi State. “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 is survived by his wife, Sharon, his children Janeen, Kim, Cody and Kiersten, and three grandchildren.

Leach, a renowned innovator known as one of the developers of the pass-heavy Air Raid offense, left an indelible impact on college football during his 45-year coaching career. He spent the last three seasons at Mississippi State where he guided the Bulldogs to a 19–17 record.

Prior to his time in Starkville, Leach made stops as a head coach at Texas Tech and Washington State. He racked up 158 wins over a 21-season head-coaching span and developed some of the game’s most prolific passers including Tim Couch at Kentucky, Kliff Kingsbury and Graham Harrell at Texas Tech, Gardner Minshew at Washington State and most recently, Will Rogers at Mississippi State.

Leach, affectionately known as “The Pirate,” became almost just as well-known for his comedic one-liners as his success on the sidelines. Players, coaches and media members took to social media Tuesday to remember his immense contributions to college football, in addition to his infectious personality. 

Coach-
You will certainly be missed, but your impact on so many will live on-

Thankful for every moment. You changed my life and so many others.

All of our prayers are with Sharon & the Leach family-

Rest In Peace my friend🙏 pic.twitter.com/C43e2MZvBB

— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 13, 2022

Statement from @SEC Commissioner @GregSankey. pic.twitter.com/5K9JeBvfu8

— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 13, 2022

Today is a sad day in the world of college football. Mike Leach was an innovative football mind, who kept us on our toes. I always enjoyed facing off with him over the years.

Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike's family and friends during this difficult time. 🙏💙🙏

— Mack Brown (@CoachMackBrown) December 13, 2022

RIP. You will be missed, Pirate 🏴‍☠️ pic.twitter.com/rja53aYG3s

— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 13, 2022

I never played under coach Mike Leach but I respected his philosophy towards the game growing up… RIP COACH you was apart of the birth of how the game is played today 🙏🏿

— Dez Bryant (@DezBryant) December 13, 2022

Our broadcasting team had the privilege of calling the last game of Coach Mike Leach’s distinguished career. The spirit and character his team played with that night embodied what I came to think of him as a coach and leader. My condolences to all who loved him. RIP coach. 🙏🏾

— Louis Riddick (@LRiddickESPN) December 13, 2022

I was in 1st grade when Graham threw the ball to Crabtree against Texas. Thank you for giving me a chance as a 17 year old. From Wazzu, to Mississippi State I will never forget everything you taught me and the relationship we had. I will see you again someday coach. #RIP pic.twitter.com/2gBYxkKRAj

— Will Rogers (@Wrogers__2) December 13, 2022

Thank you @Coach_Leach for you serving the sports world! God be with the Leach family…hold them in your embrace for as long as they need you! https://t.co/WnbbYZoD5c

— dawnstaley (@dawnstaley) December 13, 2022

Statement from Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury on the passing of Mike Leach, who was the head coach at Texas Tech during Kingsbury’s record-setting career as a QB there: pic.twitter.com/yleLkRHIOK

— Mark Dalton (@CardsMarkD) December 13, 2022

Prayers to the Leach family!🙏🏽🙏🏽 True legend of the game!

— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 13, 2022

Mississippi State president Mark Keenum: “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.”

— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) December 13, 2022

Praying for Mike’s family, friends and the folks closest to him. Such a sad day. 🙏🏼 https://t.co/y1amJ8qvLm

— Kirk Herbstreit (@KirkHerbstreit) December 13, 2022

Forever one of the most innovative minds in history.

Our entire department mourns the passing of Coach Leach. pic.twitter.com/wcsXhDMLTK

— Texas Tech Red Raiders (@TechAthletics) December 13, 2022

It’s a very sad day as we join the college football community in mourning the passing of a great one in Mike Leach. You will be missed Coach, but never forgotten. Rest in Peace https://t.co/QsInL7Gbaj

— Texas Football (@TexasFootball) December 13, 2022