Nick Saban reflects on first game vs. Mississippi State following Mike Leach's passing

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Nick Saban talks Mississippi State, first-and-goal play selection vs. Ole Miss | Alabama Football

Alabama head coach Nick Saban and his squad will be facing Mississippi State this weekend for the first time since the tragic passing of Bulldogs’ head coach Mike Leach.

Leach died in December of last year at the age of 61 following a heart attack, as the college football world lost one of its most innovative offensive minds and unique personalities the game has seen. And ahead of their matchup, Saban spoke about Leach, his contributions to the game of football, and of course the kind of person he was.

“I loved Mike Leach, he was different but in a good way,” Saban said. “Had a great sense of humor, obviously presented an offensive system and scheme, whatever you want to call it or name it, that was unique and very challenging. But he believed in it and kind of did it his way and I always had a tremendous amount of respect for him as a coach, but really liked him as a person.”

Ever since Leach took over as Mississippi State’s head coach in 2020, he and Saban would face off annually as SEC West division opponents, representing a matchup between two of the most respected coaches in all of college football with over 15 years of head coaching experience on their respective resumes.

The two veteran coaches had a special bond and respect for each other, which can be seen through Saban’s heartfelt message he shared following Leach’s passing late last year.

“Mike Leach was a friend, and we are deeply saddened by his unexpected passing. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Mike over the last several years. I never knew quite where our conversations were going, but they always made me smile. He was an offensive innovator who always did things his way and was admired for it. His teams were well-coached and extremely challenging to defend. They played with poise and toughness, which is a credit to his leadership. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wide Sharon, their children and the entire Mississippi State family,” Saban wrote.

Leach was never able to pull off a win against Saban during his time with the Bulldogs, but new head coach Zach Arnett will be looking to do so in his first matchup against the Crimson Tide.

Saban hasn’t lost to Mississippi State since his first season at Alabama in 2007, and will look to keep things that way with a heavy heart as the Crimson Tide and Bulldogs will square off this Saturday at 9:00 p.m. in Starkville.