SEC commissioner Greg Sankey releases statement on the passing of Mississippi State coach Mike Leach

SEC commissioner Greg Sankey released a statement on Tuesday following the tragic passing of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach due to a heart attack at the age of 61.

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

“The life of Mike Leach touched thousands upon thousands of people through his coaching, leadership teaching and insightful commentary,” Sankey wrote. “We will miss Mike. Every conversation with Mike made you think. His humor, depth and point of view continually challenged all of us to think differently and reevaluate our perspectives. His innovative approach to the game contributed to the evolution of college football.

“We mourn his untimely passing as we offer our support to Mike’s wife, Sharon, their children and grandchildren, along with his current and former players, coaching colleagues and the Mississippi State community.”

Mike Leach dies following heart attack, complications

In a statement, the Leach family shared their thanks for the outpouring of support and revealed that the former Bulldogs head coach was able to donate organs as a “final act of charity.” 

“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather,” the family shared. “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 suffered a massive heart attack which led to him taking an ambulance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson on Sunday, according to the Clarion Ledger.

Upon arrival at the home, EMTs used a defibrillator machine and delivered multiple shocks to restore normal heart rhythm, per the report. Leach went by helicopter to UMMC after stabilization, per the report. He was in critical condition on Monday following his heart attack, according to a release from the school.

One of the few rare Division-I head coaches who never played the game at a high level himself, Leach accumulated a record of 158-107 over his 21 seasons at the helm of Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State.