Mike Leach, head coach at Texas Tech, Washington State University and at Mississippi State
Sportshistory:
Mike Leach:
Washington State University Football Coach
Mike Leach Coaching Record.
Mike Leach became Texas Tech's Head Coach in 2000. Since then, he has enjoyed success in each season, and has taken the Red Raiders to Bowl Games each year. His Bowl Game record since 2000 is 5 wins, with 4 losses. Mike Leach is known for his fondness for pirate lore and legend, and for using pirate metaphors and stories as inspiration for his players.
Mike Leach was fired by Texas Tech prior to the Alamo Bowl game after allegations that he mistreated one of his players.
Since his firing, Leach has not returned to coaching, instead working in broadcasting. Mike Leach worked at CBS College Sports Network, and co-hosted co-host the "College Football Playbook" on SiriusXM College Sports Nation Channel 91.
In November, 2011, Mike Leach's name was mentioned as a possible replacement should Washington State University coach Paul Wulff be fired. On November 30, 2011, the hiring of Mike Leach as the new Washington State University football coach was announced by WSU Athletic Director Bill Moos.
The effect among WSU Cougar football fans was immediate. Within days of Mike Leach's hiring by Washington State, the now-famous tradition of flying the Cougar flag on ESPN Gameday took place with an added dimension: A pirate emblem (in homage to pirate-loving Mike Leach), was seen flying in the background of an ESPN Gameday broadcast.
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Leach spent eight seasons at Washington State University, racking up a 55-47 win/loss record, with a 2-4 Bowl record. He accepted the head coaching position at Mississippi State in January, 2020.
Mike Leach found success at Mississippi State, leading them to more bowl games.
Coach Mike Leach passed away of a heart condition in December, 2022.
He is best known for his prolific"Air Raid" offense, his love of pirates, and his unique sense of humor.
WSU Cougar Pirate Flag on ESPN Gameday
View the video of the Mike Leach-inspired WSU Cougar Pirate Flag on ESPN Gameday
Mike Leach Data
Personal Information:
Born: March 9, 1961
Mike LeachCoaching Career:
1987: Cal Poly (Assist.)
1988: College of the Desert (Assist.)
1989: Pori Bears (Finland)
1989–1991: Iowa Wesleyan (Offensive Coordinator)
1992–1996: Valdosta State (Offensive Coordinator)
1997–1998: Kentucky (Offensive Coordinator)
1999: Oklahoma (Offensive Coordinator)
2000–2009: Texas Tech (Head Coach)
2011: Hired as head football coach at Washington State University
