Dak Prescott, current Mississippi State players mourn death of Mike Leach

The Mississippi State community lost head football coach Mike Leach on Monday night. Current and former Bulldogs player mourned his death shortly thereafter. 

Mike Leach sadly passed away at 61 years old on Monday night due to complications from a heart attack which occurred over the weekend. While plenty can be said of Leach as a football coach — his coaching tree is enormous and he’s the inventor of the Air Raid offense — his personality off the field is what endeared him to so many in his industry.

Mississippi State University released a statement on Tuesday confirming Leach’s death, and wishing him family and all Bulldogs fans well.

"“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,” said Mississippi State President Mark E. Keenum."

Dozens of tributes poured out from college football coaches, media and more. But none hit home as much as his players, who are now forced to process this grief in the immediate aftermath.

Mississippi State players mourn loss of head coach Mike Leach

Will Rogers, who took tremendous strides under Leach the previous two seasons at Mississippi State, tweeted out his love for the head coach on Tuesday.

Rogers threw 70 touchdowns over the past two seasons under Leach, but some things are bigger than football.

Running back Jo’Quavious Marks tweeted out support for Leach and his family as well.

LB Nathaniel Watson had similar thoughts.

Mississippi State football legend Dak Prescott also reacted in shock and sadness to the news.

We wish Leach’s family all the best during this difficult time.