The operating organization of the College Football Hall of Fame is well aware of the calls for Mike Leach to be inducted.

Leach passed with a 59.6% career winning percentage. The Hall currently requires a winning percentage of 60% for coaches to be inducted.

Ross Dellenger of Sports Illustrated spoke to the chair and CEO/President of the National Football Foundation, which runs the Hall of Fame, about making an exception for Leach.

Archie Manning, the foundation’s chair, said he supports Leach in the Hall, but said it’s not his call.

“I think Mike will be in the Hall of Fame, but it’ll be up to the Honor’s Committee,” Manning told SI.

Manning also indicated “minor percentage points” should not be a problem, calling it a “when not if” situation, per Dellenger.

Steve Hatchell, the NFF’s CEO and president, also expressed confidence Leach will make the Hall:

“Where the difference comes in here is that Mike was a young man and he passed away,” Hatchell said to Dellenger. “The fact that he passed away brings a different perspective on this. Everybody would say he’d continue to coach and continue to win.

“I’m positive the NFF will do the right thing.”

The other Hall requirements for coaches are 10 years of experience and 100 wins. In 21 seasons, Leach was 158-107 as a head coach at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State.