UCLA Football: Chip Kelly Reflects on Legendary Coach Before Washington State Clash

These two had some good battles against each other

The UCLA Bruins are gearing up for a showdown against the 13th-ranked Washington State Cougars, and it's a pivotal game for the Bruins. UCLA is looking to pull off an upset that could propel them closer to rejoining the AP Top 25 rankings.

UCLA head coach, Chip Kelly, is no stranger to Washington State, having faced them multiple times during his tenure coaching in the Pac-10/Pac-12. Many of those matchups involved coaching against the legendary college football figure and former head coach of Washington State, Mike Leach. 

Kelly has great respect for the impact that Leach had on the game and took a moment to reflect on it ahead of the game against his former team.

“He had an unbelievable impact on this game both on and off the field. He was just such a special person. He definitely marched to a different beat than most people and truly entertaining but really intelligent. Really smart,” said Kelly. “Always kind of made you think any time you had a conversation with him… He had a great perspective on things. He enjoyed life, he was a special guy and the impact he had on that program… and then anybody who worked for him would tell you. They can all wax eloquently about Mike Leach stories. I was fortunate I got to know him a little bit through the league.”

(via Saturday Out West)

Leach was renowned for his genius in developing the NCAA record-setting air raid offense. He laid the foundation for this offensive style during his time as an offensive coordinator at Wesleyan College and Valdosta State University. 

Kelly, who himself is known for his offensive strategies, acknowledges the significant influence that Leach had on the sport. Leach brought innovation to the game, changing it for the better and leaving a lasting legacy.

Sadly, Leach passed away last season while coaching at Mississippi State. He had a coaching career that spanned multiple schools, including Washington State, from 2012 to 2019. Kelly pays tribute to his legacy but is fully focused on playing spoiler to the Cougars and secure the victory.