The Mississippi State head coach was the architect of the “Air Raid” offense in the ’90s, which led to multiple NCAA records. He had head coaching stops at Texas Tech (2000-09) and Washington State (2012-19) prior to taking the job at Mississippi State in 2020.
While the offensive coordinator at Kentucky in 1997 and 1998, Leach’s offenses helped elevate Tim Couch to the No. 1 overall selection in the 1999 NFL Draft.
The Leach family released a statement in the wake of his passing:
Leach passed away due to a heart condition.
BENDER: Mike Leach’s influence on college football will be felt for decades
In all, Leach compiled a 158-107 record in 21 seasons as a head coach, with an 8-9 record in bowl games over that span. Leach-led teams had just four losing seasons, three with Washington State (2012, 2014 and 2019) and once with Mississippi State (2020).
“Mike was an innovator, pioneer and visionary. He was a college football icon, a coaching legend but an even better person,” said Mississippi State interim athletic director Bracky Brett. “We are all better for having known Mike Leach. The thoughts and prayers of Mississippi State University and the entire Bulldog family are with his wife Sharon, his children and the entire Leach family.”
All corners of the football world joined to mourn the loss of Leach following his untimely passing:
