Mike Leach Obituary, Death – Mike Leach died of heart failure on Monday night. 61-year-old Mike was a great husband, dad, and grandpa. UMMC organ donor. Football enthusiasts from around the world have extended their love and prayers. Honor our late husband and father. “Coach Mike Leach dominated Mississippi State and college football,” said President Mark E. Keenum. “Air Raid” changed everything. Mike was a trustworthy teacher. His death hurts our school, the SEC, and college football fans. Mike was curious, honest, and dedicated. Mike’s death shows our volatility. We won three weeks ago in Oxford. Leach was unconcerned. Distinguished legacy. Leachs, thanks! Pray for them. (Keenum)
Bracky Brett, MSU’s athletic director, mourns Mike Leach’s death. College football will remember him. Millions were inspired by Mike’s enthusiasm, impact, and leadership. Mike’s creative. Brett and Mike Leach were wonderful college football legends. We’re praying for Sharon, his kids, and the Leachs. Leach is Mississippi State’s 34th coach. Twenty-year coach. He’s a great partner, parent, friend, and mentor. Janeen, Kimberly, Cody, and Kiersten were their children. California-born Wyoming raised Mike Leach. Leach graduated from BYU in 1983, then earned master’s and law degrees. Leach motivated athletes, coaches, and staff over four decades. Two-time national coach of the year, three-time Power 5 conference coach of the year, and creator of “Air Raid”
21-year coach Leach. Leach guided his teams to 19 bowl games, won two division titles, and became Texas Tech’s winningest coach (6). Leach’s passing attack led FBS in 10 of 21 seasons (6 at Texas Tech, 4 at Washington State). Leach is second in the SEC and eighth in the Power 5 with 158 career wins. Since 2000, Leach has coached 10 FBS top-50 quarterbacks. Kingsbury, Symons, Cumbie, Harrell (2006-08), Halliday, Falk, Minshew II, and Gordon all played one season (2019). Leach was a lifelong learner, teacher, mentor, and historian. He set GPA and graduation records. Leach published Swing Your Sword in 2011. American Warrior Leadership Strategies, 2014Leach created college football’s best coaching tree. Lincoln Riley, Dave Aranda, Sonny Cumbie, Dana Holgorsen, Seth Littrell, Art Briles, Ken Wilson, Neal Brown, Josh Heupel, Eric Morris, Sonny Dykes, Kliff Kingsbury, Ruffin McNeill, and assistant coaches Wes Welker, Bill Bedenbaugh, Robert Anae, Alex Grinch, and Brandon Jones.
