Reaction pours in following news of Mike Leach’s passing

Reaction across the college football world came pouring in Tuesday morning after news broke that Mike Leach, head coach at Mississippi State, passed away at the age of 61.

Utah head football coach Kyle Whittingham:

Mike, I love you and we will miss you. pic.twitter.com/gFYuqgqg7m

— Kyle Whittingham (@UtahCoachWhitt) December 13, 2022

Oregon State head coach Jonathan Smith:

We are saddened to hear about the passing of Coach Mike Leach.

His impact on the sport and those who knew him was immeasurable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the Leach family and the Mississippi State Football community during this difficult time.

— Jonathan Smith (@Coach_Smith) December 13, 2022

Ole Miss head coach Lane Kiffin:

pic.twitter.com/JpV2heCg0k

— Lane Kiffin (@Lane_Kiffin) December 13, 2022

Washington State head coach Jake Dickert:

🙏 pic.twitter.com/PzmajnZQAN

— Jake Dickert (@CoachDickert) December 13, 2022

The NFL’s Seattle Seahawks:

We’re heartbroken to hear the news.

Rest in peace, Mike Leach. 💔 pic.twitter.com/QXN047siwp

— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) December 13, 2022

Oregon Ducks football:

We are saddened by the passing of Coach Mike Leach, who truly helped change the game of college football. Our deepest condolences, thoughts and prayers go out to the Leach family and the entire @HailStateFB community during this difficult time. Rest In Peace, Coach Leach. https://t.co/Z5Ic2gj9he

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) December 13, 2022

Houston head coach Dana Holgorsen:

Mike Leach was more than an incredible, innovative, impactful, successful, popular football coach. He was all that as a husband to Sharon and a father to Janeen, Kimberly, Cody & Kiersten! Brilliant, thoughtful, kind man who taught me so much in so many different ways. RIP Coach! pic.twitter.com/blaNBbhLfi

— Dana Holgorsen (@Holgorsendana) December 13, 2022

ESPN College Gameday host Rece Davis:

Condolences to Mike Leach’s family. I’ll never forget ⁦@CollegeGameDay⁩ trip to Pullman. He asked me to be on his coach’s show. We might’ve talked ball. Gave me my first sip of Cuban coffee. Expounded on Geronimo as a leader. Fine man. Influential coach. We will miss him. pic.twitter.com/FBQVKgGeMu

— Rece Davis (@ReceDavis) December 13, 2022

One of the many memorable, funny moments of Leach appearing on John Canzano’s Bald Faced Truth radio show:

Mike Leach and I got on the subject of good (and bad) handshakes a few years ago. Did the football coach judge people on their handshake?

“I’ll be honest,” he said, “it goes in their file.”

Listen: pic.twitter.com/gS0BPIH2X1

— John Canzano (@johncanzanobft) December 13, 2022

Leach passed away Monday night at the age of 61. He was in his third season as head coach at Mississippi State.