In his own unique way, the deceased Mississippi State coach Mike Leach made an indelible impact Texas Tech AND Be a miss the history of football.
Coaching the Red Raiders from 2000-09, Leach helped Texas Tech reach previously unknown heights. A program that had won five bowl games in its history won five under Leach in a six-year span from 2002-07. The Red Raiders, who hadn’t cracked the AP top 10 since 1977 before Leach was hired, spent three weeks in 2008 ranked No. 2 in the nation.
After a stint with Washington State, Leach took over for the Bulldogs before the 2020 season. He battled the Rebels in three Egg Bowls, going 1-2, while Ole Miss ran a pass-happy offense not dissimilar to the Raid’s plans. Aviation that Leach helped pioneer.
Fittingly, both schools honored him with helmets at the Texas Bowl on Wednesday. Texas Tech included a skull and crossbones, referencing Leach’s well-documented love of pirates.
The Rebels’ signs feature the word “MIKE,” with the “I” stylized as Mississippi State’s famous cowbell.
