Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach died Monday night at the age of 61.
Leach suffered what the university initially described in a news release as a “personal health issue” at his home in Starkville on Sunday, which required him to be airlifted to the UMMC in Jackson, about 125 miles from Mississippi State.
His death was attributed to complications suffered after a heart condition.
MSU Bulldog family, college football community mourns the death of Coach Mike Leachhttps://t.co/LzWyLyX3xM
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 13, 2022
Leach, who was named Mississippi State’s head football coach on January 9, 2020, was finishing his third season in Starkville and 21st overall as a head coach.
Leach had a 19-17 record with the Bulldogs, 8-4 this season. He was at Texas Tech from 2000-09 and Washington State from 2012-19.
The family released a statement:
“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. 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.”
The school president spoke about Leach:
Coach Mike Leachcast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. His innovative “Air Raid” offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.
“Mike’s death also underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. 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. May God bless the Leach family during these days and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog family go with them.”
Leach is survived by his wife, Sharon; children Janeen, Kim, Cody, and Kiersten; and three grandchildren.
Tributes came in on social media:
Got to have a few beers with Mike Leach one evening several years ago and have wanted to spend more time with him ever since. Such a cool cool dude. RIP coach.
— Dale Earnhardt Jr. (@DaleJr) December 13, 2022
One of my favorite Saturday night college football games ever. This was when the Big 12 was just a shootout every week, and the leader of the high flying offense out in Lubbock was Mike Leach. https://t.co/FH3L5qwyYQ
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) 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
My friend Mike Leach…a pioneer, intellectual giant, provocateur and fearless warrior.
A great man who impacted so many lives, including my own. Sharon, the entire Leach family, and MSU are in our hearts and prayers.
Rest In Peace Mike. You made the world a better place. pic.twitter.com/6jWAP8Uip4
— John Cohen (@JohnCohenAD) 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
We're saddened to learn of the passing of Mike Leach, who served as our Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach from 1997-1998.
We send our deepest condolences to Coach Leach and the @HailStateFB family. pic.twitter.com/RIuWy6jMrO
— Kentucky Football (@UKFootball) 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
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
Mike Leach was one of one. Very bright, wise, curious, quirky, interested in many things. I'll recall our many unique conversations over the years: always a blend of funny and deep. In recent years, he was too often touched by tragedy. I'll miss him. So will CFB #MikeLeach
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) December 13, 2022
Devastated and heartbroken that my coach, Mike Leach is gone. Coach was one of a kind and had a lasting impact on my life and career. I would not be where I am without him. Love you coach. Praying for Sharon and his family!
— Bill Bedenbaugh (@OU_CoachB) December 13, 2022
“My Thoughts & Prayers are with the Leach Family! Thank you for your Impact on the game and the Lives you coached! You will be missed, Rest Easy Pirate.“ pic.twitter.com/SkzhIGgTqh
— Dak Prescott (@dak) December 13, 2022
