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Texas Tech releases a statement on the passing of former head coach Mike Leach

On3 imageby:Dan Morrison•12/13/22•

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Mike Leach
Thomas B. Shea / Stringer PhotoG/Getty

In the wake of Mike Leach’s passing, there has been an outpouring of support and condolences for the head coach. That includes Texas Tech, who gave Leach his first job as a head coach in college football.

Texas Tech released a statement on the death of Mike Leach. In it, the Texas Tech athletics department says that it is mourning Leach’s death. The statement also praised Leach for his success at Texas Tech, the impact he had on the sport as a whole, as well as his success at Washington State and Mississippi State.

“Texas Tech Athletics joins the countless others across the game of football who mourn the passing of Mike Leach. Coach Leach will be forever remembered as one of the most innovative minds in college football history. His impact on Texas Tech Football alone will live on in history as one of the greatest tenures in the history of our program,” the statement reads.

Mike Leach coached Texas Tech from 2000-2009. During that time, he went 84-43, going to a bowl game every season that he was there. That includes multiple Cotton Bowl appearances and five top-25 finishes. During that time, he and the Red Raiders were known for their record-setting offenses.

Texas Tech paid tribute to Mike Leach

While Mike Leach was in the hospital, Texas Tech posted a tribute to Mike Leach on Twitter. You can view it, here:

In the image of Jones AT&T Stadium, the video board has a photo of Leach up on it. Behind him is a pirate’s flag, referencing his nickname, The Pirate. Leach’s mantra is also on the video board, “Swing Your Sword.”

Meanwhile, current Red Raiders head coach, Joey McGuire, quote tweeted the photo with the hashtags #SwingYourSword and #WreckEm.

It was a touching tribute to a head coach who had a massive impact on the Texas Tech program.