Former Texas Tech and current Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach has died at age 61.
Leach was hospitalized on Sunday after suffering what Mississippi State University officials were calling “a personal health issue,” which was later reported as a massive heart attack by the Clarion Ledger.
Leach reportedly collapsed at his home in Starkville but did not receive any assistance for at least 10 minutes. EMTs used a defibrillator upon arriving at the scene and took him to Oktibbeha County Hospital to stabilize him.
He was then airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson where he remained in critical condition for several hours. Reports also revealed he also may have suffered seizures and brain damage during the episode.
Leach passed away on Monday night due to complications from a heart condition.
Several in the Mississippi State community expressed their condolences on Tuesday morning.
University President Mark E. Keenum stated, “Coach Mike Leach cast 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.”
Interim athletic director Bracky Brett added, “We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Mike Leach.
“College football lost one of its most beloved figures today, but his legacy will last forever. Mike’s energetic personality, influential presence and extraordinary leadership touched millions of athletes, students, coaches, fans, family and friends for decades.”
Quarterback Will Rogers posted pictures of himself on the sidelines with Leach with a caption reading, “I was in 1st grade when Graham threw the ball to Crabtree against Texas,” in reference to a game-winning throw from quarterback Graham Harrell to wide receiver Michael Crabtree against the No. 1-ranked Longhorns in 2008.
“Thank you for giving me a chance as a 17-year-old. From Wazzu to Mississippi State, I will never forget everything you taught me and the relationship we had. I will see you again someday coach. #RIP,” he wrote.
Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett will serve as the interim head coach as the Bulldogs prepare to face Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl at Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium on January 2.
Mississippi State was the third head coaching job for Leach, who previously led Texas Tech from 2000 through 2009 and Washington State from 2012 through 2019. Over the years, he became known as one of the innovators of the “Air Raid” offense.
After Washington State hired him in 2012, he quickly led the Cougars to their first bowl game in 10 years and turned the program into one of the top offensive teams in the country. He left Pullman for Mississippi State following the 2019-2020 season.
Leach was fired from Texas Tech in December 2009 amid an investigation into his treatment of wide receiver Adam James, who had sustained a concussion. James is the son of former SMU star Craig James, who had been feuding with Leach ever since due to Leach’s reported lack of remorse for his actions — which allegedly included punishing the younger James for being injured and locking him in a closet.
On the field, the Red Raiders were successful under Leach and had their first-ever 11-win season in 2008.
Despite some friction, Leach gained popularity over the years because of his unique offensive playing style and his even more unique (if not bizarre) comments to the press — including thoughts on aliens, Big Foot, mascot battles, dating, and a variety of other non-football topics.
While mostly known for his on-screen and on-field personalities, there has been an outpouring of media personalities and coaches who revered the kind of person Leach was off the field and what he was willing to do to help the people who surrounded him.
Mike Leach spent more than 20 years as an FBS head coach, winning multiple national and conference Coach of the Year awards and ranking among all-time win leaders.
