Why is Mike Leach called The Pirate?

The college football world honored head coach Mike Leach, who was affectionately known as “The Pirate.” Here’s how he received the nickname.

On Dec. 12, Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach passed away at the age of 61 after complications from a heart condition. Leach was a beloved figure in the college football world, for his innovation of the Air Raid offense and his quirky personality.

Through bowl game season, teams have paid tribute to Leach in various ways. One of the more consistent tributes was a helmet decal that said “MIKE” with the “I” being in the shape of a cowbell that featured a pirate logo.

In fact, the Bulldogs will be wearing helmets that feature a pirate flag logo with the initials “ML.”

So, how did Leach receive his nickname of “The Pirate?”

How Mike Leach became known as ‘The Pirate’

Leach received this nickname due in part to his love of pirates.

The head coach famously used the phrase “swing your sword” as a way to inspire his team. When Leach was head coach for Texas Tech, he brought a pirate sword to a team meeting to use as a metaphor. Here is what he wrote in his 2011 autobiography, which was titled “Swing your Sword: Leading the Charge in Football and Life” (h/t SB Nation).

"“Your body is your sword. Are you going to swing your sword aggressively, or really out of control like you’re out there playing street ball?” I said as I began to haphazardly flail the sword around. “If you’re frantic, without being clear-minded, you put yourself into a vulnerable position. Are you going to duck your head and swing it timidly? Or are you going to have great technique and swing it without any hesitation?” Some of ’em nodded their heads. Some laughed watching me flail around with the sword. Some couldn’t wait till I stopped talking just so they could come up and touch the sword. But the point was made. We were pirates, and the next time we went into battle, our swords would be ready. “Swing Your Sword” became a battle cry for us. We won our next two games, then lost on a last-minute touchdown pass at No. 6 Texas. We finished the season beating Navy 38-14 in the Houston Bowl. I know the pirates speech was unconventional, but you can’t be insecure or let fear rule your life.”"

Leach spent 10 years as the head coach of the Red Raiders football program, leading them to 84 wins in 127 games, and to five bowl game victories in nine appearances.

In his 21-year career with Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State, Leach had a 158-107 record and an 8-9 record in bowl games.

Leach’s final game was a 24-22 win over the Ole Miss Rebels in the annual Egg Bowl, his first in the three head-to-head meetings during his tenure at Mississippi State.

Mississippi State is playing in the ReliaQuest Bowl against the Illinois Fighting Illini on Monday, Jan. 2. The game is taking place in Raymond James Stadium, home of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Not only did the Bulldogs honor Leach with a pirate flag logo on the side of the team’s helmets, but a framed photo of the head coach was placed in the pirate ship located inside the stadium.

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