Mike Leach, one of the colourful coaches in school soccer, is lifeless at 61.
Leach, the top coach of Mississippi State, had been listed in essential situation earlier Monday after reportedly sustaining an enormous coronary heart assault. Experiences of Leach struggling a extreme medical problem first surfaced on Sunday afternoon as the faculty soccer world prayed for the modern coach.
“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather,” Leach’s household mentioned in a press release. “He was capable of take part in organ donation at UMMC as a remaining act of charity. We're supported and uplifted by the outpouring of affection and prayers from household, pals, Mississippi State College, the hospital employees, and soccer followers around the globe. Thanks for sharing within the pleasure of our beloved husband and father’s life.”
Leach had coached Mississippi State since 2020. Previous to that, he coached Washington State from 2012-19 and Texas Tech from 2000-09. He was the Massive 12 coach of the 12 months in 2008 and the Pac-12 coach of the 12 months in 2015 and 2018. Leach had a 158-107 profession report, together with 8-9 in bowl video games.
Leach was generally known as an offensive guru who coined the phrase “air raid” offense.
“Coach Mike Leach solid an incredible shadow not simply over Mississippi State College, however over your complete school soccer panorama. His modern ‘air raid’ offense modified the sport,” Mississippi State College President Mark E. Keenum mentioned. “Mike’s eager mind and unvarnished candor made him one of many nation’s true teaching legends. His passing brings nice disappointment to our college, to the Southeastern Convention, and to all who cherished school soccer. I'll miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open method to pursuing excellence in all issues.
“Mike’s loss of life additionally underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. Three weeks in the past, Mike and I had been collectively within the locker room celebrating a hard-fought victory in Oxford. Mike Leach really embraced life and lived in such a fashion as to depart no regrets. That’s a worthy legacy. Could God bless the Leach household throughout as of late and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog household go along with them.”
Leach is survived by his spouse spouse Sharon and 4 youngsters: Janeen, Kimberly, Cody and Kiersten. Leach was the oldest of six siblings and was raised in Wyoming.
Leach was recognized for a dry wit, the place folks would need to hear him discuss hating sweet corn or proudly owning a pet raccoon or advising engaged couples to elope as an alternative of throwing a lavish wedding ceremony. He was significantly keen on pirates, and picked up their memorabilia, and usually educated of American historical past.
“Really saddened by the loss of life of an excellent buddy and particular man,” legendary former Kansas State head coach Invoice Snyder tweeted on Monday night time, albeit just a little prematurely. “Mike Leach will at all times stay particular in my coronary heart and the hearts of many. Not solely a singular and proficient coach, however one who taught life classes to so many younger males whose lives he modified for the higher. Relaxation In Peace.”
Mississippi State is scheduled to play Illinois within the ReliaQuest Bowl on Jan. 2. Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was named the interim coach as soon as Leach was hospitalized.
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