Football fans are stunned by the sudden loss of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach, whose offensive prowess and eccentric personality made him one of the most compelling figures in college sports.
Leach, 61, died Monday night after complications from a heart condition, according to a university statement.
Leach’s role in developing the air raid offense under Hal Mumme defined not only his 35-year career, but his legacy in college football. Leach joined Oklahoma’s staff as offensive coordinator in 1999, transforming the Sooners’ 11th-place offense from the year before to first in the Big 12 in one season. He became the winningest coach in school history during his 10 years at Texas Tech and continued to break records during his eight-season run at Washington State.
Just weeks before his death, Leach led Mississippi State to its best regular-season finish (8-4) since his arrival in 2020. Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett will serve as interim coach as the Bulldogs prepare for the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2.
Before Leach’s death, social media was flooded with hope, prayers and well wishes for Leach and his family from fans, athletes, coaches and media figures. Many of those same people are now sharing memories and tributes on Twitter:
So incredibly sad. Mike Leach was the best. Just a unique, awesome person. https://t.co/3ekgicv3SG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2022
Mississippi State just announced that Mike Leach has passed away. His impact on football was— and will continue to be—truly remarkable….
Thank you Mike ❤️ pic.twitter.com/atY9eELO6P— Bruce Feldman (@BruceFeldmanCFB) December 13, 2022
RIP to Mike Leach. College football innovator and one of the great personalities in sports.
— Matt Jones (@KySportsRadio) December 13, 2022
Head coach Mike Leach has passed away. Continued thoughts to coach Leach’s family. It was an absolute pleasure to cover an incredible figure over the last three years.
— Robbie Faulk (@robbiefaulk247) December 13, 2022
God bless Mike Leach. So very sad. Prayers for his family and team. 🙏
— Matt Overton (@MattOverton_LS) December 13, 2022
— Chris Gragg (@Gragg80) December 13, 2022
Rest easy Coach Mike Leach 🙏🏾
— Jabari Price (@JayPrice04) December 13, 2022
RIP Mike Leach. Man his interviews was always hilarious https://t.co/lcsEbEEGGT
— Carl Davis Jr. (@Trenchwork94) December 13, 2022
Sad news. One of the most unique personalities in the sport gone too soon. RIP. https://t.co/NmqeME9BxP
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) 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
Thinking of Coach Leach’s family and the entire MSU community. pic.twitter.com/QiZVNRH5xm
— COACH BILLY NAPIER (@coach_bnapier) December 13, 2022
The last question I got to ask Mike Leach was about his Netflix recommendations.
Leach, even when he admittedly didn't have a whole lot to offer, always delivered.
🎥: @NextRoundLive pic.twitter.com/ehHZSaZQDf
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) December 13, 2022
