Mike Leach update: MSU coach "needs a miracle," in critical condition

Mike Leach is in critical condition after a health emergency at home, according to reports

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach is in "critical" condition after suffering an undisclosed health emergency, according to multiple reports.

"Mike Leach needs a miracle, folks," MSU reporter Robbie Faulk said on Twitter late on Sunday. "Continue to pray."

The 61-year-old Leach was taken from his home in Starkville to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, about 125 miles away, after suffering a medical emergency at his home over the weekend.

Mississippi State confirmed Leach's situation in a statement on Monday, saying he remains in "critical condition."

The school added, "Mike's family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family's privacy be respected at this time.

"That is the extent of the information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach's condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time.

"MSU will issue additional information via social media when it becomes available," the school's statement concluded.

A report from the Clarion Ledger says that Leach suffered a "massive heart attack" at his home and did not receive medical attention for 10 to 15 minutes after the incident.

The report added that emergency personnel used a defibrillator on Leach at the scene and administered several shocks to his heart to restore its natural rhythm. 

The Ledger says that sources say Leach's situation is "dire."

Coaches from around the college football community tweeted their support and concern for Leach after learning of his medical situation.

Please keep Mike Leach in your prayers tonight. We are thinking about Mike, his wife Sharon, and all of his family, friends and players

— Brian Kelly (@CoachBrianKelly) December 12, 2022

My thoughts are with my mentor, my colleague and, more importantly, my friend, Mike Leach. While I am devastated by today’s news, I know Mike is a fighter with an incredible spirit and I know he will continue to battle. Prayers to Sharon and their extended family. 🙏🏼

— Dana Holgorsen (@Holgorsendana) December 12, 2022

Prayers for my good friend Mike Leach.

Please keep Coach and his family in your prayers-

— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 12, 2022

Thinking about @Coach_Leach tonight. Praying for you Coach🙏

— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) December 12, 2022

Leach has been a fixture on college football sidelines since the 1980s, initially working on the Cal Poly staff, and is credited with helping develop and popularize the "Air Raid" offense, an aggressive, pass-heavy, no-huddle offensive system that features four wide receivers and the quarterback from the shotgun formation.

Leach employed the system when working as a coordinator at Oklahoma and Kentucky before taking his first job as a head coach at Texas Tech in 2000.

He landed at Washington State, leading the Cougars football program from 2013 to 2019 and set a school record with 11 wins in the 2018 season.

Leach arrived in the SEC in 2020 when taking the position at Mississippi State, going 19-17 overall and 11-15 in conference play since his arrival.

MSU went 8-4 this past season and defeated rival Ole Miss on Thanksgiving, earning a berth in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Illinois on Jan. 2.

(Robbie Faulk)

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