TCU coach Sonny Dykes thought of Mike Leach as Horned Frogs won College Football Playoff semifinal

Mike Leach was on Sonny Dykes’ mind as the final seconds ticked off the clock in TCU’s College Football Playoff semifinal win over Michigan.

Dykes said he thought of Leach and Spike Dykes, his late father, as the Horned Frogs kneeled down in victory formation to conclude the 51-45 Fiesta Bowl victory.

Sonny Dykes: “There was a time when we took the knee, and I thought about my dad, about Coach Leach… they were present for sure.”

— Bryan Fischer (@BryanDFischer) January 1, 2023

#TCU HC Sonny Dykes on how the late Mike Leach would’ve felt about the shootout that occurred today. Mentioned that his father would’ve been proud, as well.

“I think he would’ve gotten a kick out of it.” pic.twitter.com/20Q9Ukqz1p

— Colin Post (@colinp_3) January 1, 2023

Sonny Dykes got his start in coaching in 1994. In 1997, he joined Hal Mumme’s coaching staff as a graduate assistant. Leach was UK’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at the same.

In 2000, Dykes reunited with Leach, joining the Texas Tech staff as wide receivers coach. Dykes was on Leach’s staff through the 2006 season. Dykes was in Starkville last month to celebrate Leach’s life.

With his team in the midst of practice for the CFP, Sonny Dykes attended the Mike Leach memorial in Starkville 10 days ago.

He stayed for the full event and then attended an after-party celebration of Leach’s life in downtown Starkville, sharing Leach stories for a couple hours. https://t.co/OuCnYpoHv0

— Ross Dellenger (@RossDellenger) January 1, 2023