The genius football mind and one of the best interviews in the history of college football, if not all of sports, is no more after Mike Leach passed away Monday night at age 61.
The Mississippi State coach suffered complications from a heart issue on Sunday morning and was transported to a hospital in Jackson, Mississippi in critical condition, but unfortunately was not able to recover.
“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather,” the Leach family said in a statement. “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.”
Leach, known for his unique downfield air-raid style passing offense, finished his coaching career with the Bulldogs after three seasons after tenures with the Red Raiders of Texas Tech and Cougars of Washington State, influencing numerous notable coaches from his tree along the way.
Leach will be replaced by defensive coordinator Zach Arnett on the Bulldogs sideline and scraped out a 24-22 win against the Rebels of Ole Miss in his final game.
