Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach handed away following issues from a coronary heart situation at 61.
On Sunday, Leach had what was described as a private well being difficulty at his house which brought about him to be transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson. Leach remained in essential situation based mostly on statements given to the general public by Mississippi State.
In a press release from the Leach household: “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.”
From Mississippi State President Mark. E Keenum: “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 modified the sport. Mike’s eager mind and unvarnished candor made him one of many nation’s true teaching legends. His passing brings nice disappointment to our college, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who cherished school soccer.”
“I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things. ”Mike’s demise additionally underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. Three weeks in the past, Mike and I had been collectively within the locker room celebrating a hard-fought victory in Oxford. Mike Leach really embraced life and lived in such a way as to go away no regrets. That’s a worthy legacy. May God bless the Leach household throughout nowadays and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog household go along with them,” Keenum stated.
You really can not inform the story of faculty soccer with out Leach. From growing the Air Raid offense at Iowa Wesleyan in 1989, Leach’s explosive offenses might journey. It went with him throughout the nation, with stops as a coordinator in Oklahoma and Kentucky. His teaching tree consists of Sonny Dykes, Kliff Kingsbury, Dave Aranda and Dana Holgorsen.
Leach by no means performed school soccer. He acquired a legislation diploma and performed rugby at BYU. But his simplification of a sport typically made so difficult by coaches despatched shockwaves via your complete sport. Everyone will bear in mind a few of his iconic groups: the 2008 Texas Tech Red Raiders, who knocked off Texas with Graham Harrell and Michael Crabtree. The 2018 Washington State Cougars, who had been led by Gardner Minshew and stole the hearts of everybody who stayed as much as watch them play.
Even greater than what he did on the sector, Leach’s character stood out. From his eccentric interviews about eloping or which mascot might win in a battle, to his New York Times bestselling books, Leach was only a enjoyable individual to speak and hearken to.
There won’t ever be one other Mike Leach.