US mourns death of iconic college football coach aged 61

Mike Leach helped revolutionize the sport with his passing game

Pioneering US college football coach Mike Leach has died after complications from a heart condition, as confirmed by Mississippi State on Tuesday.

Leach was in his third year as the head coach of the university’s football team, the Bulldogs, when he fell ill on Sunday at his Starkville home. During the current season, he told ESPN that he had been suffering from pneumonia. 

The 61-year-old was treated at a local hospital near Starkville and then airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in the state capital Jackson around 120 miles away. 

“Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape,” said university president Mark E. Keenum 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.”

Mississippi State has confirmed the passing of HC Mike Leach

Rest in Peace