Mike Leach, one of the most polarizing coaches of all time, passed away on Monday night due to complications from a heart condition at the age of 61. His impact on the game will never be forgotten.
Leach’s first head coaching job came in 2000 at Texas Tech, when he perfected the Air Raid scheme.
After 9 years in west Texas, Leach joined Washington State and became a source of frustration for Duck and Beaver fans, tossing the ball around until the time reached triple zeros, regardless of the score.
In 2020, he became the Bulldogs’ coach. Ronald Clark, our sports reporter, had the honor of meeting coach Leach for the first time last season when he covered his former Red Raiders in the Liberty Bowl against Mississippi State.
“To me, it seemed like the journalists in the room were trying to set him up,” Clark said, “to get him to go on one of his viral rants.” However, the essential secret was to stand back and let
Pirate steers his own ship to produce the enchantment, a sense that even coaches outside of his sport can detect.”
“Really sad about coach Leach,” said Oregon Ducks women’s basketball coach Kelly Graves. “I had the opportunity to watch and appreciate that guy from a distance. I truly feel for his family. He is and always will be a part of the Pac-12. So we wish him and his family all the best and pray for them.
Coach Leach leaves behind his wife, Sharon, four children, and three grandchildren.
Oregon State head football coach Jonathan Smith expressed his sympathies on Twitter Tuesday morning, writing, “We are saddened to hear about the passing of coach Mike Leach.” HisHis influence on the sport and those who knew him was tremendous. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leach family and the Mississippi State football community during this difficult time.
