Mike Leach unexpectedly passed away on December 12, 2022. Now, almost exactly one year later, Leach was honored on Friday night on ESPN at the 2023 College Football Awards.

The legendary coach was honored with the NCFAA Contributions to Football Award.

“He was demanding, a great leader and a great coach… Oh, and he hated candy corn,” the official Mississippi State Football account posted on Friday. The team had that as the caption for the 5-minute-long segment ESPN dedicated to the coach.

Leach was known for his memorable interviews and hilarious quotes. The coach is also credited with helping develop the Air Raid offense that is now prevalent throughout all levels of football.

Leach spent 21 seasons as a head coach in college football. The legendary coach collected a 158-107 record and went 8-9 in bowl games. Leach had a 19-17 record at Mississippi State.

Other winners of the NCFAA Contributions Award include Archie Manning, Lou Holtz, and Herschel Walker.