BYU Football Pays Tribute To Mike Leach With Helmet Decal
Dec 17, 2022, 4:32 PM
Mississippi State head coach Mike Leached passed away at the age of 61. Social media was filled with memories of the head coach. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
(Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. – BYU football paid tribute to Alum Mike Leach during the 2022 New Mexico Bowl.
The back of BYU’s black Sailor Coug helmet features a pirate flag decal in honor of Leach.
We'll do our best to 𝐒𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐰𝐨𝐫𝐝 in your honor, Coach Leach 💙 pic.twitter.com/RW6xXBdI4E
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) December 17, 2022
A BYU Alum, Mike Leach, was big on pirate culture. His book, written by Bruce Feldman was titled, “Swing Your Sword.”
Through the first two days of the Bowl Season, other college football programs have created tributes to Mike Leach on their helmets. The Florida Gators had a helmet decal that read, “MIKE,” with a Mississippi State cowbell forming the “I” in Mike.
Today we're honoring Mike Leach.
Our hearts are with his family, friends and the @HailStateFB community. pic.twitter.com/1fCm7qlMPH
— Florida Gators Football (@GatorsFB) December 17, 2022
Leach passed away on December 13 due to a heart condition. Reports have indicated that Leach suffered a heart attack one day before.
After Leach passed away, the BYU football community extended prayers and support to the Leach family.
BYU AD Tom Holmoe expressed thoughts and prayers for Mike Leach
‘Til we meet again, Coach 💙 pic.twitter.com/OdDaMJtVvE
— BYU Cougars (@BYUCougars) December 13, 2022
“I am devastated to hear of Mike’s passing. Mike was a BYU Alum and has been a friend of ours for many years. His daughter and son both worked in our athletic department while BYU students and were incredible young people. We love the Leach family, and we offer our constant prayers and sincere condolences at this time.
“Mike’s connections to BYU and our football program is strong. He is a strong branch of the LaVell Edwards coaching tree. He didn’t play football at BYU but could see the possibilities for his coaching future by learning LaVell’s system. His success on the field is matched by his joy for life and the many people like me, who call him friend.
“Peace and love to the Leach family. ‘Til we meet again, Coach.”
Kalani Sitake on the passing of Leach
— Kalani F Sitake (@kalanifsitake) December 13, 2022
“We are all trying to process the news of Mike Leach’s passing today. My deepest, heartfelt condolences are for the entire Leach family. I truly enjoyed and appreciated my friendship with Mike. His son Cody also worked with me on our staff. Mike has left us way too soon. We will all feel his missing presence as an exceptional coach, leader, father, husband and friend and as one of the biggest personalities in our game.”
New Mexico Bowl
BYU versus SMU in the 2022 New Mexico Bowl kicks off at 5:30 p.m. on ABC and KSL NewsRadio.
Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for sports.ksl.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Mitch is in Albuquerque for the 2022 New Mexico Bowl between BYU and SMU. Follow his coverage on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.
