Beloved College Football Coach Mike Leach Dies

On Monday (Dec. 12), country singer Toby Keith took to social media to beg his fans to pray for someone very special.

“One of my favorites Coach Mike Leach needs our prayers right now…Let’s go!!! Keep fighting coach!!” the country legend wrote on Facebook and his Instagram Story.

Toby was talking about Coach Mike Leach, the head football coach at Mississippi State. On Sunday (Dec. 11), it was revealed in a news statement that Leach had a “personal health issue” that forced him to be airlifted to UMMC Hospital. He was at practice just one day before.

Once word of his illness started spreading, Leach received countless tributes and well wishes.  Turns out, Leach suffered complications from a heart condition and passed away late Monday night (Dec. 12). He was 61 years old.

In a statement on the Mississippi State athletics website, Leach’s family said, “Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC 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 was one of the most successful college football coaches of all time and will be missed by so many. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.