Early Tuesday morning, the sports world was wrecked by the tragic news of college football icon Mike Leach passing away due to complications with a heart condition. Leach was hospitalized on Sunday after being airlifted to Jackson, MS, and left this world two days later.
Leach’s sudden passing left many around the country shocked and speechless. As heartfelt condolences began circulating online for the Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach, among them were Pete Carroll and the Seattle Seahawks organization.
The football community will greatly miss Mike Leach. He was a great innovator, ball coach, and man of the world.
— Pete Carroll (@PeteCarroll) December 13, 2022
We're heartbroken to hear the news.
Rest in peace, Mike Leach. 💔 pic.twitter.com/QXN047siwp
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 13, 2022
Although Carroll never faced against Leach as competing head coaches, Leach’s impact on football in the Evergreen State is undeniable. Before taking on Mississippi State job, Leach was the top man for the Washington State Cougars. Leach inherited perhaps the worst college football program in the country and made them relevant.
From 2012 to 2019, Leach amassed a 55-47 record in Pullman, won Coach of the Year, won Pac-12 Coach of the Year twice, and took the Cougars to six bowl games. Before Leach, WSU had not achieved bowl eligibility since the 2003 season. Now the Cougars are headed to their 7th consecutive bowl (COVID year notwithstanding) and it would not be possible without the foundation Leach laid in the Palouse.
Mike Leach was one of the most unique and authentic personalities in all of sports. Aside from revolutionizing college football with his Air Raid offense, Leach was also known for his love of pirates, Geronimo, cryptids, and his various press conferences where you weren’t quite sure where he was taking the conversation… such as giving sage wedding wisdom, or discussing which Pac-12 mascot would win in a fight.
We at Seahawks Wire send our sincerest condolences to the Leach family during this difficult time.
Swing your sword, Coach.
