Mike Leach on what factored into John Cohen leaving Mississippi State, if there's any extra motivation to defeat Auburn

Mike Leach had to watch as John Cohen left Mississippi State for Auburn earlier this week, and now the Bulldogs leader is voicing his opinion.

During the SEC Coaches Teleconference on Wednesday, Leach was asked if NIL, among other factors, was one of the main reasons why Cohen left for the Tigers.

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“I think it’s always important,” responded Leach. “I don’t know if that was the big issue though.”

Alas, Leach doesn’t believe that factored into Cohen’s decision. However, now the Bulldogs coach must turn his attention to facing Auburn later in the season.

With Cohen now overseeing the program, Leach was asked if there will be any extra motivation to defeat the Tigers.

“Not really,” answered Leach. “The other team is going to run their plays, things like that — you’re busy thinking about how to address that. So no, I don’t think it really effects a lot.”

Evidently, it’s business as usual for Mike Leach in Starkville. Times are changing for both Mississippi State and Auburn, but you can always count on the Bulldogs coach for some reassurance.

Mike Leach gives hilarious take on John Cohen’s departure to Auburn

Continuing, John Cohen will be with the Tigers at Wade Davis Stadium following his sudden, mid-season switch for Cohen as he moves within the SEC West.

Earlier this week, Leach reacted to the news during his Monday press conference and you’ll never guess — his answer was hilarious. He said working with Cohen was enjoyable, before using a variation of the word “surprise” five different times in two sentences. It’s another classic quote from the Mississippi State head coach.

“I thought John was great,” Leach said. “Got along good with John. You know, I just kind of go back to the first thing every week—surprises happen. I’m surprised this happened, but I’m not surprised something surprising happened. Something surprising happens every week; you just don’t know how it’s going to manifest itself. I enjoyed working with John.”

Cohen was the one who brought Leach to Starkville, being his second football hire. Joe Moorhead was also a product of Cohen but that only lasted two seasons. Now, the new Auburn athletic director will be tasked with hiring a football coach on the Plains with the goal of consistently beating Mississippi State.

Saturday will be his first chance, going up against Leach and the Bulldogs at Wade Davis Stadium at 6:30 p.m. CT. ESPN2 will have the broadcast.