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The Case for Mike Leach in the College Football Hall of Fame

The Case for Mike Leach in the College Football Hall of Fame
The Case for Mike Leach in the College Football Hall of Fame

Mike Leach absolutely deserves to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame—not just for his wins, but for how he revolutionized the game, inspired a generation of coaches, and left a lasting legacy well beyond the field. Mike was a close friend of mine, and a true pioneer of the game. Here’s the case:

1. Architect of the Air Raid Offense

Leach didn’t invent the passing game, but he redefined it. Alongside Hal Mumme, he helped create and popularize the Air Raid offense—a system that:

  • Prioritized spacing, tempo, and high-efficiency passing.
  • Allowed under-recruited programs to compete with blue-bloods.
  • Influenced modern offenses at every level of football, including the NFL.

The Air Raid’s core concepts are now embedded in the playbooks of countless college and high school teams, and even in Patrick Mahomes’ MVP-caliber performances.

2. Consistent Success at Non-Traditional Powerhouses

Leach didn’t coach at college football’s glamour schools. Instead, he turned historically mediocre programs into winners:

  • Texas Tech (2000–2009):
    • Record: 84–43
    • 10 straight bowl-eligible seasons
    • Finished ranked in the AP Top 25 five times
    • Landmark 2008 season: 11–2 record, beating then-#1 Texas
  • Washington State (2012–2019):
    • Took over a struggling program and posted four consecutive winning seasons
    • 2018: 11–2 record and a final AP ranking of #10—the best in school history
  • Mississippi State (2020–2022):
    • Revamped SEC offense overnight
    • Produced record-setting QB Will Rogers
    • Was laying the foundation for a competitive SEC program before his untimely death

3. Coaching Tree & Legacy

Leach’s coaching tree is one of the most impactful in college football:

  • Lincoln Riley (USC/Oklahoma)
  • Dave Aranda (Baylor)
  • Sonny Dykes (TCU)
  • Dana Holgorsen (Houston/West Virginia)
  • Kliff Kingsbury (NFL/USC)

These disciples have carried Leach’s offensive philosophies forward—his impact is living and active in the sport today.

4. Cultural Icon & Thought Leader

Beyond football, Leach was a beloved and eccentric personality who:

  • Talked pirates, history, and philosophy in press conferences
  • Wrote books on leadership and strategy
  • Was a favorite of fans, journalists, and players alike for his honesty and wit

He brought personality and thoughtfulness to a sport often dominated by clichés and guarded interviews.

5. Hall of Fame Eligibility Note

The National Football Foundation requires a 60% career win percentage for eligibility. Leach finished with a 59.6%(158–107). But that has just changed, making Leach eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame!

  • Leach coached in power conferences with underdog programs
  • His true impact goes far beyond just wins and losses

Rules are guidelines—but Hall of Fame selections should account for historical significance, lasting legacy, and contributions to the evolution of the sport.

Bottom Line

Mike Leach didn’t just win games—he changed the game. He empowered overlooked athletes, revolutionized offensive football, and influenced generations of coaches. His absence in the Hall of Fame would be a disservice to the sport’s history.

Mike Leach belongs in the College Football Hall of Fame. Pirate flag and all.

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