Mississippi State coach Mike Leach passes away after heart attack
By Mark Powell
The college football world lost a monumental presence on Monday night, as Mississippi State University announced the death of its head football coach, Mike Leach.
Mike Leach suffered what was initially described as a personal health issue over the weekend in Starkville, but the details of said heart attack were confirmed by the school shortly thereafter.
While the college football community — and many of his rival coaches and players, as well — kept the longtime head coach in their thoughts, Leach succumbed to his battle with complications after his initial heart attack on Monday morning, per the University.
"“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."
Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach dies at 61
Mike Leach was the innovator of the air raid offense, and eventually took his talents across the country from Texas Tech to Washington State and eventually Starkville. His most recent stop at MSU helped spread his colorful personality to the SEC, where it thrived in a unique environment of weirdness that is the heartland of college football.
“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,” Mississippi State AD Bracky Brett said.
Leach, nicknamed ‘The Pirate’, was survived by his wife and three children. We wish the Leach family nothing but the best as they mourn his death with the rest of the college football landscape.