Mississippi State coach Mike Leach dies at 61

Mississippi State football head coach Mike Leach died Monday at the age of 61 after complications from a heart condition, the school announced Tuesday.

Leach was hospitalized Sunday after what the university initially called "a personal health issue."

He coached the Bulldogs for three seasons, posting a 19-17 record with the team. Mississippi State went 8-4 in 2022.

"Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather," the Leach family said in a statement. "He was able to participate in organ donation at (University of Mississippi Medical Center) as a final act of charity. We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world. Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father's life."

Leach previously coached Texas Tech (2000-09), becoming the school's all-time winningest head coach and earning Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2008. He also spent eight years at Washington State (2012-19), claiming two Pac-12 Coach of the Year awards in 2015 and 2018. He left the Cougars as their third-winningest coach.

He posted a 158-107 overall record on the sideline.

Leach, a father of four, became one of college football's biggest personalities throughout the years. He impacted the game on the field with his record-setting Air Raid offense and off the field with numerous viral interviews.

Mississippi State announced Sunday that defensive coordinator Zach Arnett is in charge of the football team. The Bulldogs are scheduled to play the ReliaQuest Bowl against Illinois on Jan. 2 in Florida.