LOOK: Mike Leach memorial pirate facemask released
Mississippi State football would be honored that someone found a creative way to pay homage to former coach Mike Leach, incorporating his love for pirates in the process. A famous social media account revealed Sunday a new facemask for a helmet that is designed to resemble a pirate, even featuring an eyepatch.
The helmets have a pirate flag on the side as well with Leach’s initials underneath two crossed swords. They are similar to the helmets that Mississippi State wore in the ReliaQuest Bowl, though those did not have the custom facemasks for obvious reasons.
Mike Leach made his love of pirates well-known, even using the phrase “swing your sword” to inspire his team. His autobiography, published in 2011, was also titled “Swing Your Sword: Leading the Charge in Football and Life.”
Leach tragically passed away in December from what was described as a “massive heart attack.” He was 61 years old. The loss struck the college football community hard, as Leach was a beloved figure not only for his prowess on the field, but his unique personality off of it.
Leach provided endless laughter with his takes on everything ranging from Halloween candy to marriage to smartphones. More than that, he revolutionized the game with his Air Raid offense, and helped develop some of the game’s best coaches including Josh Heupel, Sonny Dykes and Lincoln RIley.
Leach was the head coach of Mississippi State for just three seasons. He went a combined 19-17 in those three years and led the Bulldogs to a bowl game every season. The 2022 season, his final one in Starkville, he went 8-4, his best record with the Bulldogs.
Leach started his coaching career in 1987 as an offensive line coach for Cal Poly. Leach would coach at some smaller schools until 1997 when he got his first Power Five job as an offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach at Kentucky. He would then leave for Oklahoma two years later for the same position.
After one season with the Sooners, Leach was hired as Texas Tech’s head coach. Leach put the Red Raiders on the map, winning nine games in just his third season. Leach would remain the head coach at Texas Tech for 10 years, going 84-43 and 5-4 in bowl games. He took Texas Tech to a 10th bowl game in his final season but did not coach in it.
Leach will be remembered forever, and these pirate facemasks are a touching tribute to the life he brought to the sport.