Mike Leach Tribute

MSU Bulldog family, college football community mourns the death of Coach Mike Leach

[@TXSuburbanHomestead]

Swing your sword!! Man, I'm going to miss Coach Leach. I'm an Aggie who went to Texas Tech for my engineering doctorate. Met him in early mornings in the Jones AT&T parking lot. He remembered my name, and always asked about my research every time I saw him. He was the head coach of the football team and I was a lowly doctoral student who wasn't even a Red Raider and he remembered things about me. That's the character of the man...

[@nozrep]

TTU alumn here, RIP Coach! Wreck ‘Em forever! Wishing yall the best in steps forward at MS State also, irreplaceable! TTU is apparently playing yall’s arch rival Ole Miss in our upcoming bowl game hope we beat em as a fitting tribute.

[@patrickdunn2858]

I wasn’t a cougs fan. I wasn’t a Mississippi state fan. But god damnit I was a MASSIVE MIKE LEACH FAN. Legend without question that’ll never be forgotten. #MIKELEACHFOREVER

[@bailey9208]

Man , I’m gonna call my kids and tell them all how much I love them right now !

[@wheeler116]

I’m not crying, you’re crying 😢

[@wyolaskan1868]

Yes Yes we are

[@KHallesy]

As a Washington State Cougar I can say we have nothing but wonderful memories of this amazing man and coach! And the relationship with Gardner Minshew was the best ever!

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

In my opinion, Connor Halliday was the most talented and best QB Leach developed, EVER. It's just that Halliday didn't quite have the talent surrounding him that later WSU teams had. Minshew was damn good, and the Minshew-led Cougar team won 11 games and ended the season ranked #10 in the country, but when I really look at things closely and objectively, Conor Halliday was one of the best Air Raid QBs ever. If only he had a more talent at running back, like Borghi and Murrow, and bigger, faster receivers like Tay Martin and Dez Patmon. Oh, and a better defense as well, with players like Frankie Luvu and Hercules Mataafa.

[@KHallesy]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y , I could not disagree more. Conner benefitted from the style of offense but he was really not that good. Yes he got a ton of yards but most quarterbacks would have gotten the yards in that offense. He also lost many games by poor decision making. I remember the Oregon State game he played horrible the entire game! I always thought he was the most overrated quarterback in WSU history.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

@@KHallesy I dunno, man. Connor's supporting cast wasn't the best. Especially the defense. Remember that Cal game where Conor threw for so many yards and TD's yet the Wazzu defense gave up even more? The defense gives the offense opportunities, and the Cougar defense during Halliday's playing years were mediocre. Minshew's defense was pretty solid. And Minshew had really talented receivers surrounding him, as well as a solid corps of running backs.

[@KHallesy]

@@user-sg8kq7ii3y , yes Conner had an amazing arm! But I personally would put him below Minshew.

[@user-sg8kq7ii3y]

@@KHallesy I respect your opinion. The way I see it, I feel that Conor was more talented than Minshew. Bigger and with a stronger arm. I feel that Minshew had WAY better talent surrounding him because, at that point, Leach had been at WSU for a number of years, and he was at the peak of his recruiting abilities. The one thing that I think Minshew was hands down better than Conor at was that Minshew was a true leader. He only played at WSU for one season, yet he became a leader almost immediately, and the guys rallied around him.

[@sloggains]

As a Texas Tech grad, I can confidently say that my alma mater, Wazzu, and Mississippi State are eternally linked in that we are the only places in the world who have been blessed to have this man lead our football team. Swing your sword!

[@muchomango2703]

As a Bama fan... I'm hurting for the Leach Family, the Miss St family, and the college football world. Coach Leach was an innovator, and a true pioneer. You could feel how great of a human he was by how he treated everyone he met. This man cared. Stephen Smith said it best. This is a man that you loved even if you didn't know him. We all cheered on his success. RIP Coach. You are missed.

[@boneyarde]

die hard ole miss fan here... just wanted to say leach was the most fun for us to play on thanksgiving in a long time... im very sad for your team... im very sad for his family... keep your heads up and keep moving forward.... RIP mike leach... what a cool dude!

[@AdamVassGal]

I’m really going to miss Coach Leach. I hope that we continue to hire unique individuals that do what they know in their heart is right without worrying about the expert opinions. He was one of a kind and made football fun.

[@mazkact]

The best accolade a Coach can get is that His players love Him. Our young Men clearly loved and do love Him. Coach , you will be missed.

[@KaminJohn]

Huge LSU fan here and he was by far my favorite college football coach. He was pure gold. Must see TV. A legend amongst legends. RIP Coach. 🤝

[@joesmith6972]

I made it all the way until he handed out the game ball at the end before the tears came running down again. Really going to miss you, coach.

[@bestviewdronephotographyvi686]

Man, I lost it when he spiked that football in the locker room. Coach Leach looked so humble, and those kids were fired up! RIP CML.

[@KristiLEvans1]

Same. This one is tough.

[@davidcole2337]

This is just a Sad Story. His personality in the SEC has been great. I hope they make exception and he gets put College Football Hall of Fame.

[@SS11660]

So glad he went out with a win in the egg bowl.

[@ctaney2254]

Man I don't normally get that emotional when famous people pass away but this one got me. What a legend of a coach but even more so the likeable character he was.

[@patrickmcdermott1133]

As a Red Raider Alum I am absolutely heartbroken. We will never see another like him again. God Bless and Keep this Pirate

[@rt3box6tx74]

Same here. R.I.P. Coach. Swing that sword 🏴‍☠️

[@mosesnavarrette947]

Forever a Red Raider. R.I .P Coach

[@johnnyfoosball12]

💔💔 as an Aggie it was an honor to get absolutely owned by Mike leach for 20 years

[@KristiLEvans1]

Lol. I loved this message. Needed the levity

[@icytucannoli886]

Thank you for remembering him! As a Red Raider, I enjoyed the A&M games and wish they could be reignited! But, we both lost one of a kind person, and I wish you the best for your comment!

[@unclechum2305]

Aggie here. Leach was an absolute gem. I never cheered against him. Unless he was playing the Ags. What a beautiful soul he was. RIP Pirate!

[@03svterminator64]

He was just a great guy all around. Can’t help but love him!

[@GeauxWyatt]

LSU fan. Son of a Texas Tech employee. The football world needs more Mike Leach’s in it. Always admired a man who thinks outside the box like him. RIP Coach

[@jeffrobodine8052]

Georgia fan here, and I have always respected and loved Mike Leach and who he was as a coach and person. Sad day for College Football and anyone who appreciated this man. RIP Coach 🙏

[@David-wc7lx]

TTU here. Nothing but love for coach Leach. He had an amazing impact on people wherever he found himself. My deepest condolences to his family. We stand heartbroken with you. MS, you are amazing. Coach would want you to keep your guns up. So very sorry for your loss.

[@andreasorourke4252]

There will never be another coach like him. Great coach and an even better man.

[@bryancarroll2983]

Beautiful tribute. Mississippi State, you'll forever have a place in this Red Raider's heart. Rest in peach Coach Leach. You are missed.

[@tobiasfunke9473]

There's a little bit of Mike Leach in ALL of us that's why we all resonated w his way of being. He inspired all of us to be our true authentic selves regardless of what anyone else thought For that we're all eternally indebted RIP u beautiful soul

[@Wakeywhodat]

Respect from an LSU guy.. I watched coach’s press conferences every week and I’ve watched several of your games this year. I’ll be watching y’all on Jan 2, y’all punch the ticket for your coach! Geaux Bulldogs!!!

[@oh_look_bananas]

Ohio State here. I love Mike Leach. Hell of a guy. Rest easy. God bless his family.

[@freeballin5753]

As a Arkansas Razorback fan I couldn’t believe the news when I heard it, he was a legendary coach and offensive genius, and seemed like a good guy. RIP Leach

[@hillvolfan]

Prayers for the Leach family. What a great innovator and character coach he will be remembered as.

[@sliceserve234]

University of Washington fan here. Paying respects to the great coach Mike Leach, and this wonderful video.

[@luke7750]

2 years ago I didn’t even watch college football but would search for his press conferences for the unique humor he would bring. He was truly one of a kind. I didn’t know the guy but it shook me when I heard of his passing. God bless the family that got to live with this amazing one of a kind man.

[@codywarhawk7099]

Colorado fan here. This dude was one of the guys who changed the way the conference played offense and defense, and he always gave Pac12 teams such a problem, especially Oregon and USC, during his time in the Pac12. Buffs Nation stands with Mississippi State fans and the Leach family during this difficult time. He left a big shadow on the CFB world with his passing. Rest easy, coach. You've earned it. #SkoBuffs

[@markphillips8097]

I still can't believe he is gone,it shows us all how quickly life can end,live life to the fullest,he sure as hell did RIP COACH!!

[@TalmadgeGray]

God bless Mike Leach and his family. We were lucky to have him for three years as he was truly one of the greats.

[@michaelhuffman6429]

Arkansas Razorback, my condolences and prayers 🙏 go out to not only Coach Mike Leach, but to Mississippi State, a rival, but yet in something this tragic, I pray everybody in the SEC always remembers, family, our faith in God, comes before football. My heartfelt prayers and sympathy to his family, Bulldog nation, and to all facing hardship this Christmas season, let us look and trust Jesus Christ to comfort all in need.

[@KristiLEvans1]

Well said 😞

[@billstriegel4357]

@@KristiLEvans1 Amen

[@Ghostmotorfinger]

Godspeed Coach Mike Leach. You were a national treasure.

[@1SpartanD4L]

I always looked forward to Mike Leach interviews. They were often more memorable than anything that came before of after them. From the MSU up north.. RIP coach, you will be missed!

[@janegraver8716]

As an Aggie , It breaks my heart to hear the passing of Coach Leach! He was an amazing guy and a great coach! Good luck to your team in their bowl game! 👍🙏

[@martinyoungs8511]

This made me cry. I went to Texas Tech and I wish the school did right by him before his passing. Keep swinging your sword forever, coach!

[@neilwroten2801]

I agree with Stephen A. 100%. I hoped and wished Coach Leach would win and have success at every stop of his head coaching career, he will be missed.

[@kennethfulk8312]

Bama fan here, Coach Leach was one of a kind, a great Coach, his demenor and his personality and love for his players was so genuine, The SEC lost a great Coach and my prayers go out to his wife, family and the MSU comunity and fan base, this is such a tragic loss.

[@vmbrister3278]

What a beautiful piece… I am so envious of the people who got to meet Coach Leach… What a Marvelous human being he was… What an eternal legacy he has… I cannot express enough my sincerest condolences to the Leach family, the players who were able to play for him and the students and communities associated with the Universities he coached at… To see the celebration of this man by such diverse types of people shows the depth and breadth of his impact which was Amazing! I shall miss him ❤

[@rockytoptwizzy4226]

he was one of a kind, what a legend

[@oN3xShOtxkilL]

As a Georgia fan, it hurts to see a school who shares the same mascot as us lose someone that helped their program and I’ll be rooting for them against Illinois, RIP Mike Leach

[@christinawallace2051]

I always looked forward to seeing a new soundbite from Coach Leach online, but my personal favorite was the one where he was giving wedding advice. The guy was absolutely hilarious! RIP Pirate 🏴‍☠️

[@MSDOGS1976]

One of a kind. I sure wish we could have had him longer at State. God bless coach Leach and his family.

[@wholeness5871]

Thank you coach, for all you are,all the laughs, & the lives you touched. You are an inspiration, you will be missed & NEVER FORGOTTEN

[@skyrushyesminderaserno1150]

Mississippi State always had something special. Their rowdy fanbase, the cowbells, the Don’t Stop Believin’ tradition and of course Mike Leach. My heart reaches out to the fanbase, students, and the campus itself

[@bed24msstateedu]

A great coach and a great man. A real human being.

[@lensuber919]

Rest in peace coach🙏🙏!

[@grondhero]

TCU fan. Coach Leach was missed when he was no longer with Texas Tech. I've rooted for him at both Washington State and Mississippi State. Rest in Peace.

[@MidnightHozz]

Texas grad and life-long CFB fan. I have enjoyed Mike Leach since he was at Tech (even though he cost us a BCS appearance) and trolling aggy on the reg. I had read message board rumors that he was going to retire after the bowl game this year and I thought "This guy could be the John Madden of CFB". What a tragedy.

[@GammaNu955]

as a Tar Heel.. alum.. I’ve been more touched about this loss than I would expected. Coach was unique and inspired. God speed Coach. You changed College football. Hail State. 🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️🏴‍☠️❤️

[@aaronriley5723]

Penn State fan but always been a Mike Leach fan… sad he went out this way.. but legendary coach Rip!

[@trebroom]

Can’t believe it💔 Thank you for being apart of the HailState Family!

[@neonlionxiii]

From a Razorback, Rest in Peace good sir. You earned your rest beautifully. My heart is with Texas Tech, WSU, and Mississippi state fans.

[@margietatone481]

What a huge loss for his family, his team, the University & all of us Ms State Bulldog fans. Coach Leach was one of a kind. We’ll miss him as a Coach, as a Bulldog, & as a man. God be with his family during these hard days. 🙏🏼

[@StrengthCampBulls]

I’ve never really followed him , but when I found out he was in the hospital I started seeing all the videos . He seemed like a great man and the players loved him. Wish I had followed him sooner

[@rapskal2322]

A Rare public figure indeed, My personal favorite by a very long way. To take people from Underdogs to Contenders in his unique way everywhere he went is amazing. It is an honor as a WSU fan to be influenced by him for life. We will miss you greatly Mike, Thank you for being you.

[@Zarglos]

I am a life long Razorback fan, but I have always loved Coach Leach.

[@jackcampbell2952]

RIP Coach Leach, man was one of a kind!!!

[@davidproctor3246]

What an incredible coach and human being! May he Rest In Peace. I am sending my continued prayers to his entire family. God bless 🙏🏻🙏🏻❤️❤️🏴‍☠️

[@Cryptokent]

Good guy always loved his interviews.

[@iDispiseSpelling]

I’m a Purdue fan and when I heard the news of his passing I was immediately in shock. Miss State isn’t it the Big Ten and it shows how he impacted college football as a whole. You will be missed💔

[@plnfrk3428]

Props to Miss State for the great tribute. Mike's Bulldogs whipped our tail down in Tucson this fall and he killed us over the years with his air raid offense as the coach for the Cougs, a program that was a bottom feeder and hadn't been to a bowl game in 10 years until Leach came around. You can see how his players really had love for him and loved to play for him. A Coach who truly cared for his players and staff and who will always be known for going on his epic tangents.

[@travisc3571]

Coach’s press conferences were always candid and real! I loved them and they always entertained and he never shied away from the controversial topics.

[@SnakeSkinz]

I'm a Florida fan, but man I miss this guy so much. The situation is such a travesty and I can't believe it happened. He was an awesome person and a great contributor to college football

[@jameskeyes9112]

I am an Ole Miss fan, buy I have always been a Mike Leach fan. And I was never more glad to have him in the SEC, even if he was coaching our in-state rival. I used to watch his practice reports and pressers when he was at Texas Tech and Washington State. Always a chance to get a real Mike Leach nugget in each one. And I really appreciate how he and Lane Kiffin got rid of the childish stuff in the rivalry itself. You play hard and you congratulate the winner, and that's it. They were friends on and off the field. I still can't believe that he's gone.

[@HogsArkansas]

His coaching was the most culturally exciting coaching in the SEC that I've experience in my years. RIP Mike

[@njgl2010]

I’m a Bama football fan, but always been a coach Mike Leach fan. “He was 1 of 1” That’s the best way to describe him. Rest Easy Coach, you were Loved by an entire fan base called College Football.

[@chriswolf72]

This video just popped up on my timeline and it moved me to tears because I loved his interviews and his his passion for the game and his quest to make his players better. I'm an Arkansas Razorbacks fan and I looked forward to seeing our teams battle. Now when these two team goes against each other, I will hold up my Arkansas Razorbacks flag and my Mike Leach/Mississippi State flag and pay tribute to one damn good coach! He will be missed! 😢💙

[@katiealspaugh9103]

Gone, but never forgotten!!! RIP Coach Leach

[@jonconefb]

Beautifully done. Will miss you, Coach.

[@Bensalami69]

RIP Mike. As a fan of weird history & nerd clusters myself, I feel as though the world definitely needs more of you. Sorry to see you go. Thanks for being once in a lifetime

[@armandorodriguez9245]

As a Georgia fan I got to watch him start to turn around MS and man leach was truly one of a kind from one bulldog to another im sorry for your loss truly but may leach live forever❤️❤️❤️

[@1notredamefightingirishfan12]

Fighting Irish here, RIP coach 🙏

[@philcastillo3719]

The man should be considered for HoF for his record of taking lower-end teams and making them winners.

[@clipcoug1139]

Sadly the CFB HOF has a rule saying you have to win at least 60% of your games. His winning % is only 59.6

[@bigt4583]

RIP Coach Leach.True football mind . You will be missed

[@blakerenken4101]

Prayers and love for a college football legend!

[@Kayluv101]

Crazy seems like yesterday when he arrived at Starkville.. Time has gone by so fast…enjoyed every second of him being our coach never took it for granted knew it wouldn’t be forever. Rip ❤

[@joeyricefried9621]

I will forever miss you Coach Leach. RIP Legend

[@JasonNation72]

My daughter goes to this fine institution and even though she wasn't ardent follower of the school's football program (not much of a college football fan anyway), she was sad about Coach Leach's passing, she said he was a nice guy.

[@j.b.3981]

What a treasure. Wish he was my Coach. 🙏

[@wprann]

Long live the legacy of Capt’n Leach! 🏴‍☠️❤

[@woodrainmudd7684]

Good man. I'll miss him

[@tonysmith952]

The biggest takeaway from the passing of Coach Leach is that Life is Short and no matter who you are or where you're from...we all will face eternity one day; Are you Prepared to do so?

[@brandonsnake122]

Man Coach Leach was one of a kind. I remember when he was OC at OU he was such a mastermind when it came to football. MSU lost a great coach. RIP Coach.

[@bettycrocker3425]

The FUNNIEST Coach in college football History .! He literally turned switches on teams, and made them allot better w/a unique style. You cant teach that. 100% PURE CHARACTER!! Thanks for giving unique variety.!

[@jeremyledbetter8022]

Coach Leach love the relationships he had with others. And he loved the reaction from people. One of a kind guy that was so curious of life. Like a child but I mean that in a very good way.

[@nylontusk1289]

I really can't believe he has passed, I just can't believe it. 61 is way too young and he had so much left to live for. I pray for his family the most and all of the people he has personally formed relationships with over his magnificent and most interesting life. Any players that got a chance to play for him are truly some of the most fortunate people to have done so for a myriad of reasons. I guess I just always thought that we would be fortunate enough to have Mike Leach coaching well into his 70s and always being that guy that brought pure joy to us all every Saturday but that's not going to happen anymore and that is really hard to process on many levels. If anybody saw how LK reacted to his passing then you got a good glimpse of just how impactful of a man Mike Leach was in this beautiful world we take for granted. What a awesome man and a awesome coach. His personality and the joy he gave us is just too ineffable to explain. He always made me smile and laugh and as a former highschool football player really made me want to play for him. Gah if only I ever had that opportunity! I never met em but I sure did love em and I always will. I don't know what all treasure Mike Leach was looking for but I do know he would've found the most prized if he had just looked in the mirror.

[@jagerdavis4869]

From a buckeye we never got to play you but I can confirm you are one of the greatest coach in football history

[@joshperkins2747]

I miss you coach. State misses you badly this year.

[@66samdog]

He was a nice guy and respected by those he coached. Always fun to listen to his interviews.

[@foxmannor6969]

one of my favorite coaches ever. rest in paradise

[@t23sp1]

Man. I feel like I knew this guy despite never meeting him. RIP Coach.

[@robertfoster2992]

never coached my team, but he was my coach. godspeed coach leach.

[@jeagles1418]

I lost it when he spiked the ball. What a great man. May he rest in peace.

[@RiverJunkie]

Great Tribute! Life is short. Life is precious. Live it graciously, live it to the fullest.

[@mingyy]

Still cant believe this is real. I remember tearing up at work hearing the news. Lost one of the best coaches. RIP Mike Leach

[@Johnlilly252]

Man we have lost some legends in sports this year my personal favorite coach, Rest easy, what a great career and better man.

[@tp-mh2ji]

Condolences to his family... From Arkansas.