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Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was a one-of-a-kind personality in the world of college football. Leach was an innovator on the field, as his famed Air Raid offense led schools such as Texas Tech and Washington State to uncommon heights.
But off the field, he was just as unique. Leach, who earned the nickname “The Pirate” for his swashbuckling ways and quotes about swinging his sword, had a unique way with words. From his comments about bigfoot to his quotes about his players and their “fat girlfriends,” you always knew you had a chance at mining some gold when Leach had a microphone in front of him.
Sadly, the famed coach tragically passed away at the age of 61 on Monday after suffering a massive heart attack. News of a health scare first broke over the weekend before further details emerged in the days that followed.
Mississippi State University confirmed the news of Leach’s passing on Tuesday morning.
MSU Bulldog family, college football community mourns the death of Coach Mike Leachhttps://t.co/LzWyLyX3xM
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 13, 2022
In a statement, the Leach family said: “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.” – via Mississippi State University
Sports World Reacts To News Of Mike Leach’s Passing
Leach’s larger-than-life personality seemingly touched everyone in the college football world, and there was no shortage of mourning on Tuesday morning.
Statement from @SEC Commissioner @GregSankey. pic.twitter.com/5K9JeBvfu8
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 13, 2022
RIP. You will be missed, Pirate 🏴☠️ pic.twitter.com/rja53aYG3s
— Alabama Football (@AlabamaFTBL) December 13, 2022
Heartbroken by the passing of Coach Leach, my prayers are for his family, and team during this time. A true giant in our game. https://t.co/wmmaMjdvgd
— Eliah Drinkwitz (@CoachDrinkwitz) December 13, 2022
RIP Coach Leach. A brilliant football mind. https://t.co/J48Oolhnuq
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) December 13, 2022
Condolences to the entire Bulldog Family and the College Football World. Coach was one of the very best to ever coach the game and he made a difference in the lives of so many, particularly his players and family. Another reminder for us all to do the best we can, while we can. https://t.co/qarhtpdsVF
— Bruce Pearl (@coachbrucepearl) December 13, 2022
Sending our thoughts & prayers to the Leach Family & Mississippi State University https://t.co/f44aoVTYmh
— Ohio State Football (@OhioStateFB) December 13, 2022
This is absolutely heartbreaking on all levels.
Thank you Coach Leach for what you did at WSU, making our program relevant again, you'll always be considered a Coug.
Thank you for all you did coach, you will be missed. Thoughts and prayers to his family 🙏 https://t.co/CzAuzm79oW
— Kayla Anderson ✨ (@KaylaAndersonTV) December 13, 2022
Can only imagine what his family and everyone at Mississippi state is dealing with… Rest Easy Coach Leach https://t.co/0cWs24tOHm
— Ryan Clark (@Realrclark25) December 13, 2022
There are few members of the coaching world who have had as big an effect on college football this century as Mike Leach. His loss is significant and devastating and extremely evident by the outpouring of memories he’s received.