Lane Kiffin and Mike Leach were rivals on the field. Off the field, that was not the case.

Kiffin released a heartfelt statement regarding Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach, who passed away late Monday night following complications from a heart issue. Leach was 61.

The architect of the Air Raid offense had an impact on college football that is immeasurable, but was also well-known for his wit and personality. A true college football icon, Leach will be dearly missed by the college football community.

Here is Kiffin’s full statement on The Pirate.

Leach won his final game, 24-22 over No. 20 Ole Miss.