Mike Leach, Mississippi State football coach, dies from heart complications at 61

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach died Monday night due to heart complications. At the time of his death, he was 61 years old. 

The Leach family said, in a statement: “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.”

As “a final act of charity,” Leach participated in organ donation at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

Also Read | Who was Mike Leach AKA Pirate?

The University initially stated that Leach suffered a “personal health issue” at his home in Starkville on Sunday. This required him to be airlifted to the UMMC in Jackson, which is around 125 miles from Mississippi State.

“Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape,” university president Mark E. Keenum said in a statement. “His innovative ‘Air Raid’ offense changed the game. Mike’s keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. I will miss Mike’s profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.”

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Tributes poured in for Leach as soon as news of his death reached social media. Fans famously dubbed him “Pirate.” “RIP Pirate. You inspired more people than you’ll ever know,” one of them said, while another one wrote, “RIP Pirate. You were definitely one of a kind. I will miss your quirky and unique interviews.” Another one quipped, “Awful. Thoughts and prayers to all affected. RIP Pirate. You were one of a kind.”

One more noted, “Oh my god no! No no no! I am absolutely heartbroken! Godspeed to you coach. Prayers for strength and healing to his family and extended family at Mississippi State. Truly devastating news about the loss of this icon. College football Saturdays won’t be the same. RIP pirate.” Another stated, “RIP Pirate. You were definitely one of a kind. I will miss your quirky and unique interviews.”