Coach Mike Leach passed away on December 12, 2022, at the age of 61. He spent years coaching in the NCAA Division 1 level. Then from 2000 to 2009 he became the head coach at Texas Tech University, where he became the winningest coach in school history. Leach had the third-most wins of a football coach while coaching at Washington State University from 2012 to 2019. His final coaching years were at Mississippi State, from 2020 until his death in 2022. Among many honors, Leach was a three-time conference coach of the year and two-time national coach of the year. He is credited with the record-setting air raid offense, which he learned while coaching under Hal Mumme at Kentucky.
It has been intriguing to read and hear comments about Mike Leach from family, players, coaches, fans, sports reporters, and spectators over these past days. Coach Leach definitely made a mark on his profession and life. So many made comments about Leach taking time to talk with them and how he remembered the person and conversation and asked about the situation years later, even remembering the name. Some conversations went into the wee hours of the morning. Game interviews and advice were given and even entertaining at times. He spent time mentoring his players with life lessons for both on and off the field. Opposing coaches have shared words of praise and respect for Coach Leach.
Matt Williams, a former high school kicker, was a walk on football player at Tarleton State. He decided that wasn’t for him so he joined his brother at Texas Tech as a regular student in 2008. Matt saw a flier on campus about a contest. After entering, if a student’s name was called at the football game, and they made a 30-yard field goal, the person would win 6 months free rent at Lynwood Townhomes. On the day of the game, Matt’s name was called, along with a few others. The other contestants missed their field goal attempt, but Matt nailed his and won the free rent. As he was walking off the field, Coach Leach sent his strength and conditioning coach to ask Matt to come and see him on the field. Coach asked Matt if he would like to join the team. The kickers were struggling and Leach took a chance on Matt. After being approved by the NCAA, Matt joined the team. He went on to make 149 of 150 extra points and 22 of 28 field goals during his football career at Texas Tech.
During the bowl games, many coaches and teams have found ways to honor and remember Coach Leach. Amazingly, opponents and teams in other conferences are participating, along with schools for which Leach coached. There have been signs, banners, special stickers for helmets, and t-shirts as a way to recognize, honor, and show appreciation for the contributions Mike Leach made to the game of football and life. At the beginning of the TaxAct Texas Bowl at NRG Stadium, Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire had the Texas Tech offense line up in the “Air Raid” formation and intentionally take a delay of game penalty as a show of respect for Coach Leach. Ole Miss declined the penalty.
Mike Leach’s life is a good reminder that our days are numbered and we, too, will leave a legacy someday. May what we intentionally do each day make a difference for both now and the future.
A person’s days are determined; you have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.
Job 14:5
Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom.
Psalm 90:12
