Mike Leach: Faculty soccer world shares reminiscences, pays tribute to educate

Mike Leach was an revolutionary soccer coach whose pass-happy offenses turned lesser-known packages into constant winners. He was additionally a one-of-a-kind character who wasn’t afraid to make use of humor to dive into subjects past soccer.

He was remembered for all of that and extra following his dying Tuesday from a coronary heart situation at 61.

[Related: Mike Leach, pioneering football coach, dies at 61]

Leach, whose Air Raid offense helped Mississippi State to an 8-4 season, died following problems from a coronary heart situation.

“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was in a position to take part in organ donation at UMMC as a remaining act of charity,” the household mentioned in an announcement issued by Mississippi State. “We’re supported and uplifted by the outpouring of affection and prayers from household, buddies, Mississippi State College, the hospital employees, and soccer followers world wide. Thanks for sharing within the pleasure of our beloved husband and father’s life.”

Tributes and reminiscences — and naturally, humorous anecdotes — poured in from throughout the school soccer world. Here’s a sampling:

Buckle up for an offensive present

Respect from his friends, love from his college students

Leach’s Air Raid offense unfold all through all ranges of soccer, giving “The Pirate” one of the vital prolific teaching timber in existence, one that features USC’s Lincoln Riley, Tennessee’s Josh Heupel and Houston’s Dana Holgorsen amongst others.

Leach additionally bought remembrances from a number of different school soccer teaching legends Tuesday, together with his former boss at Oklahoma, Bob Stoops.

Dave Emerick, who spent 25 years as Leach’s right-hand man and chief of employees earlier than becoming a member of Riley at USC final season, additionally shared some reminiscences of his longtime boss.

Leach’s former faculties pay tribute

‘What’s your response?’

Leach’s interviews had been typically nice tv — and infrequently had nothing to do with soccer.

Mike Leach breaks down which Pac-12 mascot would win in a struggle

Wedding ceremony recommendation

Instructing past soccer

‘Put on good footwear’

All the time a personality

‘By no means lose that inside pirate’

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