Mississippi State University head football coach Mike Leach has died at the age of 61, his family announced on Tuesday.
In a statement, Leach’s family thanked fans and university officials for their support following his hospitalization earlier this week. According to MSU, Leach died at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson due to complications from a heart condition.
“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather,” the family said on Tuesday. “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.”
Widely revered as one of the all-time great coaches in college football history, Leach’s extended run of accolades includes twice being named national coach of the year, as well as being a key figure behind the hugely influential air raid offensive scheme.
As Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum pointed out on Tuesday, Leach’s death “underscores the fragility and uncertainty” of life. Mere weeks ago, Keenum added, he and Leach were celebrating together after a “hard-fought victory” in Oxford.
“Mike Leach truly embraced life and lived in such a manner as to leave no regrets,” Keenum said, adding that this marks “a worthy legacy.”
Earlier this week, the university said that Leach had been hospitalized and was in critical condition after experiencing “a personal health issue” at home.
RIP.
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