When Mississippi State steps onto the field at Raymond James Stadium in January for its 13th consecutive bowl appearance, I feel certain the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ pirate-themed decor will be put to good use to honor the late Miss. State head coach Mike Leach. Leach passed away suddenly this month after what is reported to have been compilations related to a heart condition.
Leach, who was known for having many interests outside of football, was given the moniker “The Pirate” by journalist Bruce Feldman in his book “Swing Your Sword”. Feldman said Leach brought a pirate’s tactics to the football field, where he was famous for his difficult-to-defend air raid offense.
But, that wasn’t all he was famous for - not by a long shot.
Leach was a lot of things. He was an intellectual who earned a law degree. He was a football coach that didn’t let that one thing define him. In fact, in many ways, he was an anomaly in the football world. He didn’t begin his head coaching career until he was 40 and he was one of the few high-level football coaches who didn’t play the sport in college.
Aside from his prowess as a coach, however, Leach was probably best known in the football world for his propensity to go off-topic in interviews, and the tendency for reporters to just let him ramble - because it was always hilarious, interesting and sometimes even profound.
Since his death, story after story of Leach taking time out to talk to fans or give special attention to players in need have surfaced as well, showing a very caring, empathetic man behind all the witty quips. And they were witty.
After defeating Texas in 2002 while coach at Texas Tech, Leach said, “I don't even remember what I said. I hope whatever I said was cute and clever, and maybe even a tiny bit humorous. I hope it wasn't mindless babble, and if it was, hopefully everyone will forget about it pretty quick."
Sometimes it may have seemed like a bit of babble. But it was almost always cute, clever, humorous, or some combination of the three. One thing is for sure: No, coach. We will never forget it.
- Blake Bell is the editor and publisher of the Madison Journal. He can be reached at bbell@madisonjournal.com.
