Football world pays tribute to Mike Leach after his death: ‘True legend’

Tuesday is a somber day within the soccer world after Mississippi State coach Mike Leach died at 61.

Leach, one of the crucial candid and full of life personalities in sports activities, died after reportedly struggling a coronary heart assault on Sunday. Mississippi State, the place Leach coached for 3 seasons after stints at Washington State and Texas Tech, mentioned Leach died “following problems from a coronary heart situation.”

“We're heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Mike Leach,” MSU interim athletics director Bracky Brett mentioned in a press release. “Faculty soccer misplaced considered one of its most beloved figures at the moment, however his legacy will final eternally. Mike’s energetic persona, influential presence and extraordinary management touched thousands and thousands of athletes, college students, coaches, followers, household and pals for many years.”

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Mike Leach, the Mississippi State soccer coach, died Tuesday on the age of 61.

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Mike Leach earlier than a recreation on Oct. 2, 2021.

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Mike Leach throughout a Mississippi State recreation on Oct. 8, 2022.

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Mike Leach walks in earlier than a recreation on Nov. 5, 2022.

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Texas Tech known as Leach “one of the crucial progressive offensive minds in faculty soccer historical past” in a press release.

“His impression on Texas Tech Soccer alone will dwell on in historical past as one of many best tenures within the historical past of our program,” the college’s assertion learn. “From his 84 wins to his record-setting offenses, Coach Leach shortly constructed a legacy right here at Texas Tech that can by no means be forgotten.”

Chiefs star Patrick Mahomes, who performed at Texas Tech after Leach’s tenure, wrote on Twitter, “Prayers to the Leach household!🙏🏽🙏🏽 True legend of the sport!”

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes throughout a recreation towards the Broncos on Dec. 11, 2022.

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Cowboys QB Dak Prescott, who performed at Mississippi State from 2011-15, paid tribute to Leach on his Instagram Story.

“Thanks to your impression on the lives you coach and our college!” Prescott wrote. “Relaxation straightforward pirate.”

Former Texas Tech coach and present Arizona Cardinals coach Kliff Kingsbury mentioned in a press release that there’s “no method” he’d be the place he's with out Leach.

Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott throughout a recreation towards the Texans on Dec. 11, 2022.

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“He was a mentor, a buddy and one of the crucial particular folks I’ve ever met,” Kingsbury mentioned.

Leach’s former Huge 12 rivals, ex-Texas coach Mack Brown and ex-Oklahoma coach Bob Stoops, every supplied prayers to Leach’s household on Twitter.