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Mike Leach remembered as a great leader as he’s honored with Contributions To Football Award
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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.
He was demanding, a great leader and a great coach… Oh, and he hated candy corn ?☠️ https://t.co/UVYIFc1AzZ pic.twitter.com/ykRYIdDDHT
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 9, 2023
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.
Beloved by all and the mastermind behind the Air Raid offense, Coach Leach is honored with the @ncfaa Contributions To Football Award.#HailState?☠️ pic.twitter.com/cDBi7b79XY
— Mississippi State Football (@HailStateFB) December 9, 2023
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.
Bryce Lazenby covers college football for Saturday Down South. A Nashville native, his previous stops include FanSided, Dimers, and The Leaf-Chronicle.
