We start Tuesday morning in a state of utter sadness.
The Southeastern Conference lost a family member as Mississippi State University released a statement about head coach Michael “Mike” Leach passing away because of complications from a heart condition. Leach, 61, was rushed to the Univesity of Mississippi Medical Center on Sunday via ambulance because of a personal health issue. He was a beloved husband, coach, friend, and mentor. Leach was finishing his third season for the Bulldogs before his unexpected death. Alabama fans and the college football world reacted in mourning on social media. Leach was a national treasure that will never be forgotten.
RELATED: Mississippi State announces passing of its head coach Mike Leach
The reactions from Crimson Tide fans and others are below.
Leaving this for today. Keep Coach Leach in your prayers and thoughts… 🙏 pic.twitter.com/rWmq9x8w4e
— The Alabama Nation #GumpCertified 🥋 (@AlabamaNati0n) December 13, 2022
Thoughts and Prayers go out to Mike Leach and his entire family 🙏🏼
We lost not only a national treasure for college football, but a wonderful soul who never failed to put a smile on people’s faces#HailStateForever 🏴☠️
— Nick Perkins (@NPerkins96) December 13, 2022
Rest in Peace, Mike Leach. ❤️
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) December 13, 2022
Coach Mike Leach has entered the transfer portal. Heaven gets a great one. #RIPMikeLeach #MikeLeach
— Jamie S. 🐘 (@jamiethekorean) December 13, 2022
Damn…this absolutely sucks. Rest in peace, Coach. https://t.co/T7n8Jxr6iC
— Andrew (@aterry65) December 13, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of Mike Leach and the Mississippi State Program🙏
RIP Mike Leach. You will be dearly missed
— The Ox Cord Podcast (@TheOxCordPod) December 13, 2022
— Kenneth Tubbs 🅰️🐘🏆💍🥇 (@BamaT61) December 13, 2022
Rest in peace, 🏴☠️
— Stacey Blackwood (@Blackwood89) December 13, 2022
Prayers to the Leach family!🙏🏽🙏🏽 True legend of the game!
— Patrick Mahomes II (@PatrickMahomes) December 13, 2022
Thinking of Coach Leach’s family and the entire MSU community. pic.twitter.com/QiZVNRH5xm
— COACH BILLY NAPIER (@coach_bnapier) December 13, 2022
Spent a week with @Coach_Leach during the 2016 season when he was at Washington State. In 36 years in the business, never had more fun on an assignment than that one. His QB meetings were clinical and comedy all at the same time. You always came away having learned something. pic.twitter.com/qYtepkNP0Q
— Chris Low (@ClowESPN) December 13, 2022
Coach-
You will certainly be missed, but your impact on so many will live on-Thankful for every moment. You changed my life and so many others.
All of our prayers are with Sharon & the Leach family-
Rest In Peace my friend🙏 pic.twitter.com/C43e2MZvBB
— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 13, 2022
Statement from @SEC Commissioner @GregSankey. pic.twitter.com/5K9JeBvfu8
— Southeastern Conference (@SEC) December 13, 2022
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Stephen M. Smith is the managing editor and senior writer for Touchdown Alabama Magazine. You can “like” him on Facebook or “follow” him on Twitter, via @CoachingMSmith.
