Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach dies as NFL and college stars pay tribute - The Mirror

Mike Leach's death was confirmed on Monday night by Mississippi State University, and former college stars have paid tribute as many have gone onto have successful NFL careers

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach has died aged 61, with the university confirming he had suffered complications from a heart condition.

Leach passed on Monday night at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, Mississippi. Tributes have started to pour out for the legendary head coach, who joined Mississippi back in 2020.

The 61-year-old's coaching career started way back in 1987, but his involvement in college football began at Texas Tech back in the year 2000. In a statement, the Leach family said: "Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC 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."

Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum said: "Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. His innovative "Air Raid" offense changed the game.

"Mike's keen intellect and unvarnished candour made him one of the nation's true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), and to all who loved college football."

And Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey also said in a statement: "The life of Mike Leach touched thousands upon thousands of people through his coaching, leadership teaching and insightful commentary. We will miss Mike. Every conversation with Mike made you think."

Miami Dolphins wide receiver River Cracraft played under Leach at Washington State, and posted on Twitter : "Rest in peace Coach Leach, forever a pillar in the College football world. Thank you for taking a chance on me."

Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury was Leach’s first ever quarterback at Texas Tech when the legendary coach started his college coaching career, and played under him from 1999-2002. "There is no way I would be where I am today if not for Mike Leach and everything he taught me about the game," Kingsbury said in a statement released by the team.

"Truly one of the most innovative offensive minds in football, he was more than a coach. He was a mentor, a friend and one of the most special people I’ve ever met. My heart goes out to Sharon, the Leach family and everyone who had the privilege of knowing and loving him. Our sport was better because of Mike Leach and is far less interesting without him."

New England Patriots quarterback Mac Jones paid his respects in the post-match press conference against the Cardinals on Monday night, as he said: "Prayers to Coach Leach and his family. He offered me a scholarship at Washington State but I did never meet him personally."