Mike Leach's passing sparks outpouring of tributes, condolences from social media
Mike Leach, Iconic Mississippi State head coach and one of the best offensive minds the sport has ever seen, passed away at age 61 Monday night as a result of a medical emergency Sunday.
This is a difficult time for the college football community. Leach, who has coached at Washington State, Texas Tech and Mississippi State, among others, was known for his charisma, his wit and his kindness, but was a fierce competitor on the field. He touched many along his journey through college football and will even after his passing on Dec. 12.
His passing prompted an outpouring of love, tributes and condolences from the sports world Tuesday morning as well. Even at such a sad time, it’s hard not to enjoy his life through seeing videos and tributes of just who Leach was as a human being and head football coach.
May he rest in peace.
Mike Leach was 1-of-1. He was one of the best characters in sports and was an innovator that helped change football. In a world where coaches are corporate and mostly the same, he stood out because he was genuinely himself.
This is a terrible day for college football.
— Brandon Walker (@BFW) December 13, 2022
Not sure any coach better reflected the fun and uniqueness that is college football than Mike Leach. This is a big loss for the sport. I’ll never tire of watching this clip: pic.twitter.com/8RMe3FqPeO
— Three Year Letterman (@3YearLetterman) December 13, 2022
So incredibly sad. Mike Leach was the best. Just a unique, awesome person. https://t.co/3ekgicv3SG
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2022
Rest in Peace Mike Leach. You will be missed.
— Sickos Committee (@SickosCommittee) December 13, 2022
Mike Leach’s fingerprints are all over college football. The game would not be what it is today without him. And, as a person, he was one of one. Such a loss
— Nicole Auerbach (@NicoleAuerbach) December 13, 2022
my all time favorite Mike Leach moment is when he was taking pictures in the stands with fans while his team was in a brawl on the field ??? truly one of a kind
pic.twitter.com/Xvgy2SynmF— kb (@karinasophia12) December 13, 2022
Mike Leach breaking down a potential Pac-12 mascot fight.
He was one of a kind. RIP pic.twitter.com/KEp1FOnAip
— Mike Beauvais (@MikeBeauvais) December 13, 2022
Heartbroken. Prayers for the entire Leach family and @HailStateFB pic.twitter.com/pluR0EMCDN
— Josh Heupel (@coachjoshheupel) December 13, 2022
Mike Leach is one of the legendary figures of the game and a great human being by all accounts. I can’t believe it. That Texas-Texas Tech game from a decade and a half back is still one of the greatest games I’ve ever seen.
— Stephen Kitchen (@stephkitch93) December 13, 2022
It is a sad day and a brief statement does not fully capture the emotions and sense of loss present following Mike’s death. Leading as a coach is a unique role and Mike did it in his own unique way. Our deepest condolences to Sharon, the Leach family, and Mike’s many friends. https://t.co/MaTWeMhHp3
— Greg Sankey (@GregSankey) December 13, 2022