The late Mississippi State coach Mike Leach had a massive admirer in Ole Miss coach Lane Kiffin.

The 2 developed an especially close relationship once they both joined the SEC’s 2 Mississippi programs. The Egg Bowl rivalry grew even more exciting with the offensive gurus at the helm.

Kiffin went on ESPN’s SportsCenter on Tuesday to discuss his memories of Leach.

“Someone really unique. Somebody very different, completely outside the box of normal coaches. But a wonderful person. I’ve known him for a long time. I was thinking this morning, the first time ever, he just called my office back when we had office phones,” Kiffin said. “He had met my dad somewhere and just wanted to talk about offense. It was like 11 p.m. and we talked for an hour in season. I was just amazed at how brilliant he was and his stories.”

Kiffin takes solace in the fact that he was able to share one last embrace with Leach and wants everyone to know how special of a person he was.

“Just to think I was hugging him a couple weeks ago. I knew something was off in pregame. I’m glad that he won his last game and had that last hug with him. I really miss his stories…” Kiffin said. “For those of you that didn’t get to know him, he was really unique and [had] a big heart and a wonderful person and will really be missed.”