Gardner Minshew says Mike Leach saved him from Nick Saban rants, built his NFL career

When Gardner Minshew was looking to leave East Carolina, an opportunity presented itself with the Alabama Crimson Tide. He could first serve as the backup quarterback during the 2018 season, in case one of Jalen Hurts or Tua Tagovailoa transferred out of the program.

Once his playing days were over, Nick Saban would have offered him the opportunity to be a graduate assistant on staff.

Things were set for Gardner Minshew to move down to Tuscaloosa until Mike Leach came calling. Being the head coach at Washington State, Leach sold Minshew on being one of the top passers in the country which turned out to be true. He threw for 4,779 yards, 38 touchdowns, and nine interceptions in one season.

Minshew was then drafted in the sixth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Jacksonville Jaguars and has been in the league ever since. Without Leach making a last-minute offer to Minshew, he could still be with Alabama, facing the wrath of Saban.

“I’d be coaching right now, getting my ass ripped by Nick Saban probably twice a day,” Minshew said via Zach Berman of The Athletic. “I couldn’t be more indebted to him and the impact he’s had on my life, my family’s life. …Can’t put into words how grateful I am for him.”

Leach tragically passed away on Tuesday, with people across the football world telling their favorite Pirate story. The former Texas Tech, Mississippi State, and Washington State head coach impacted so many people and arguably, none more than Minshew.

Now with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minshew has been in the NFL for four seasons and was even considered the starter for Jacksonville at one point. He has played in 30 games with 22 starts, passing for 6,003 yards and 41 touchdowns.

None of this would have been possible without Leach reaching out to Minshew to play for the Cougars. Otherwise, he still might be with Alabama working under offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien.