College football world reacts to the death of Mike Leach: 'You changed my life'

Tyler Greenawalt
Updated

The college football world mourned the loss of one of its biggest personalities, innovators and teachers when news broke that Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach had died Monday night at the age of 61. Leach had been hospitalized since Sunday and was in critical condition after he reportedly suffered a major heart attack at his home.

"Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather," Leach's family wrote in a statement, via Mississippi State. "He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC (University of Mississippi Medical Center) 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."

"Mike was an innovator, pioneer and visionary," MSU interim athletics director Bracky Brett said. "He was a college football icon, a coaching legend but an even better person," said 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."

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey also released a statement about Leach – noting his legacy, humor and affect on the collegiate game.

'You changed my life and so many others' – fellow coaches remember Leach

USC head coach Lincoln Riley, who played for and coached with Leach at Texas Tech, was among the first to share his thoughts on Leach. Riley learned the infamous Air Raid offense from his time with Leach and brought it with him to his successful coaching stints at East Carolina, Oklahoma and USC.

North Carolina head coach Mack Brown, who battled against Leach multiple times when Brown was at Texas and Leach was at Texas Tech, also offered his condolences.

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury, who set school and college football records during his time as Leach's starting quarterback at Texas Tech, called Leach "a mentor, a friend and one of the most special people I've ever met."

'I will never forget everything you taught me' – players on Leach's lessons and legend

Current Mississippi State quarterback Will Rogers joined the Bulldogs as a freshman in 2020 the same year Leach took the job in Starkville. Since then, Rogers has completed 70.8 percent of his passes for 10,428 yards, 81 touchdowns and 22 interceptions in Leach's offense.

Rogers was one of the first of Leach's players to share his feelings about his coach.

Former Texas Tech quarterback Davis Webb played his first three collegiate seasons for Leach at Texas Tech before he transferred to Cal for his senior season. He mentioned some of the most important offensive schemes and plays he learned during his time with Leach.

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes didn't play for Leach during his time at Texas Tech but still noted how important Leach was to the game of football.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott — who went to Mississippi State — paid tribute to Leach, thanking him for his work at the university. Prescott and Leach did not overlap at the college.

Carolina Panthers linebacker Frankie Luvu, who played for Leach at Washington State, posted a photo of the two of them together In Pullman.

'RIP to a football original' – media members recall Leach's unique personality

Favorite Leach moments

When news reached Twitter about Leach's hospitalization, many shared their favorite and most iconic Leach moments from his time as a coach.

Mike Leach died at the age of 61 from complications from a heart issue. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Mike Leach died at the age of 61 from complications from a heart issue. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images) (Justin Ford via Getty Images)

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