Mike Leach was more than a football coach. He was an icon for college football in ways that reached beyond the action between the stripes. Leach was a walking quote generator, intelligent beyond what the average fan knew. But more than anything, he was kind, genuine, and giving. Giving of his time, giving of his talents, and even until the very end, he was giving of his life as an organ donor.
Coach Leach was kind enough to sit down with us for an episode of Audibles with Jason Scarborough back in the spring of 2021. The show aired for the first time in September of 2021 on TV and the next day on our digital channels. In the course of that interview, it was hard to not laugh continuously because that is just what Coach Leach does-he makes you laugh.
In footage I’ve never shared before, here at off-camera moments where we took cut for camera or mic adjustments, water and tea refills…you name it. And we just talked like two regular ole fellas, hanging out at Little Dooey’s in Starkville. It was easily one of those moments you know you’ll look back on and be ever so grateful that you experienced it.
Today, that’s especially true, now that Coach Leach has passed on. So, a year after his passing, I hope you enjoy these moments I’ve never shared before from our shoot that day. And while he’s no longer with us, I hope you smile a little as you watch. I sure did. RIP, Pirate, and thank you for sharing your story with us for Audibles.