The Latest Breaking News from Mike Leach

DALLAS — My first one-on-one with Mike Leach was over the phone, his preferred method of communication outside the bigger pulpit of press conferences. He liked the freedom, and, to his credit, he always called back. Almost to a fault. Like the time the Houston Chronicle’s Joseph Duarte waited all…

Arnett’s sudden promotion after Mike Leach’s death is unexpected, but it was only a matter of time before the 36-year-old nabbed a head coaching job.

Mississippi State was working to finalize a four-year contract with the 36-year-old Arnett.

Arnett, 36, will be the third-youngest head coach in the FBS.

Today’s update is a 5-minute read that will brief you on the day’s biggest stories.

Stories about the late coach from those that knew him paint the picture of his unparalleled life.

Tom Brady with some self awareness!

In college football, where cliche coach speak floods ear drums, Mike Leach made us listen.

They were both part of Hal Mumme’s first staff as football coach at the University of Kentucky. Guy Morriss was the former NFL offensive lineman from Texas. Mike Leach was the quirky law school graduate from California. Both are now gone, both way too soon.

Mike Leach was a force of nature, and that means there was both beauty and blight. He would commit dazzling acts of intellect and display maddening stubbornness. Leach's players marveled at how fun he made football, yet at times he seemed to be cavalier about their health and wasn't shy…

Leach died on Monday of heart-related complications at age 61.