With the proliferation of the Air Raid offense and its principles throughout college football, there’s an argument that Mike Leach made the greatest impact on the sport of the 21st century.
The innovative coach got his biggest career break at Texas Tech, and in the wake of Leach’s untimely passing in December, the school is now set to honor him with a fitting tribute.
Texas Tech will induct Leach into its Hall of Honors in September, according to The Athletic‘s Bruce Feldman. Leach spent 10 seasons as head football coach at the school from 2000 to ’09 and is the program’s all-time leader in wins with 84.
Kliff Kingsbury, who played quarterback for Leach at Texas Tech and later became the program’s head coach from ’13 to ’18, also will be honored with a spot in the school’s Hall of Fame.
Prior to Leach’s arrival, Texas Tech had achieved just two season-ending rankings in the AP top 25 in the previous 23 years. Leach’s teams did so five times in 10 seasons, peaking with an 11-2 record and a Cotton Bowl appearance in 2008. He guided the Red Raiders to a winning record in every year with the school, and he’s widely credited with revolutionizing modern offenses with his pass-heavy, up-tempo philosophies.
Leach parted ways with the Red Raiders in late 2009 amid controversy over the treatment of injured player Adam James. Leach, who denied any wrongdoing, recounted the situation in his 2011 book, Swing Your Sword.
Leach also coached at Washington State from 2012 to ’19 and spent the last three seasons at Mississippi State until his death on Dec. 12 from complications due to a heart condition.
