Mississippi State official addresses Mike Leach rumors as thoughts, prayers raised across country

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach was rushed to the hospital on Sunday for “a personal health issue”, the school announced on Sunday. While no further details were released on his condition, Mississippi State chief communications officer Sid Salter did comment on the rumors that swirled on Sunday night of Leach’s passing, per WLBT.

“Sid Salter, Chief Communications Officer for MSU, says that any rumors regarding the passing of Coach Leach should be ignored. He further states ‘Coach Leach is a fighter, and he is battling,'” WLBT reported.

This all comes against the backdrop of thoughts and prayers being raised by coaches, fans, and media alike from across the country as Leach’s situation has been termed critical. Among those were members of the Leach coaching tree, USC head coach Lincoln Riley and Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen.

Prayers for my good friend Mike Leach.

Please keep Coach and his family in your prayers-

— Lincoln Riley (@LincolnRiley) December 12, 2022

My thoughts are with my mentor, my colleague and, more importantly, my friend, Mike Leach. While I am devastated by today’s news, I know Mike is a fighter with an incredible spirit and I know he will continue to battle. Prayers to Sharon and their extended family. 🙏🏼

— Dana Holgorsen (@Holgorsendana) December 12, 2022

Mississippi State initial statement on Mike Leach

The president and athletics director named defensive coordinator Zach Arnett as the team’s leader. The team will continue preparation for the ReliaQuest Bowl versus Illinois on Jan. 2.

“The university will make no other comment at this time other than to say that the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and Sharon and their family,” the release reads.

“MSU President Mark E. Keenum and Interim MSU Athletics Director Bracky Brett have conferred, and the decision has been made to place MSU Defensive Coordinator Zach Arnett in charge of the MSU football team until Coach Leach returns. Practice for the ReliaQuest Bowl game and recruiting operations will continue.”

Leach, at 61 years of age, is in his third year coaching the Bulldogs. They went 8-4 this season to finish third in the SEC West.

The Pirate has been at the helm of some of the most explosive offenses in the last two decades. Leach’s passing attack led the FBS six times at Texas Tech and four at Washington State.