Mississippi State QB Will Rogers releases touching memories, message to late coach Mike Leach

The last quarterback Mike Leach coached was Will Rogers. He thrived in the Air Raid offense over the last three years with Mississippi State, leading the SEC in passing yards in 2021 and 2022 under Leach’s tutelage.

Leach passed away Monday night from complications due to a heart condition, and the tributes poured in Tuesday morning after Mississippi State announced the news. Rogers took to Twitter to share his memories of his head coach and paid a touching tribute.

“I was in 1st grade when Graham threw the ball to Crabtree against Texas,” Rogers tweeted. “Thank you for giving me a chance as a 17 year old. From Wazzu, to Mississippi State I will never forget everything you taught me and the relationship we had. I will see you again someday coach.”

Over the last two seasons, Rogers threw for a combined 8,452 yards and 70 touchdowns while helping Mississippi State to a 15-10 record. He was one of the many quarterbacks Leach coached to success during his career, which saw him take high-powered offenses to Texas Tech, Washington State and, finally, the last three years in Starkville.

Mississippi State coach Mike Leach dead at 61

Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach has died after a medical situation that unfolded on Dec. 11 and was later identified as a massive heart attack. He was 61 years old.

According to the release from Mississippi State, Leach passed away from complications due to a heart condition on Monday night, December 12.

In a statement, the Leach 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.”