Mississippi State women’s basketball coach pays tribute to Mike Leach with Hawaiian shirt

Mississippi State women’s basketball coach Sam Purcell paid tribute to Mike Leach on Thursday night, donning a Hawaiian shirt as the iconic football coach often did.

The touching move came during the Bulldogs’ 72-47 home win over Florida A&M, just two days after Leach, 61, died following a heart attack suffered at his home on Sunday.

The school announced Monday that Leach was in critical condition and that the beloved coach passed away the next day, prompting a host of supporters, including Purcell.

“Hopefully he’s looking up and proud,” he said. reporters after his tribute on Thursday night.

“But I think, like anyone, what a great man and that was just my two cents to throw some love on a guy we’re really going to miss.”

Purcell added that Leach referred to him as his “fashion partner” because of their shared love of clothing after the former was hired by the state of Mississippi, and Purcell is far from the only person with fond memories of the eccentric game caller. .

Leach (left) passed away Monday night at the University of Mississippi Medical Center.

Actor Matthew McConaughey remembered the coach on Twitter after his death, praising the revolutionary offensive mind as a ‘gem’ alongside a photo of the couple.

“My friend Mike Leach moved in yesterday,” he said in the post.

‘One of the most curious, inventive and independent wild men to ever walk the earth. He was a gem like no other. Put a prayer there for his wife Sharon and his children.

While Leach achieved great success on the field, he was also known for his sense of humor.

He routinely ventured into unexpected territory with his press availabilities, discussing topics like candy, marriage and pirates in depth and thereby bringing a bit of refreshing personality to a sport that often takes itself very seriously.

After the loss, Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum added, “Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not only on Mississippi State University, but on the entire college football landscape.

‘His innovative ‘Air Raid’ offense changed the game. Mike’s sharp intellect and unvarnished directness made him one of the nation’s true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, the Southeastern Conference and all who loved college football.

The video board at Davis Wade Stadium displays a message in memory of Leach on Tuesday

‘I will miss Mike’s deep curiosity, his honesty and his open approach to seeking excellence in all things.

Leach was known for popularizing the passing-heavy Air Raid offense, and was in his third year as Mississippi State’s coach after successful seasons with Texas Tech and Washington State.

He had a 158-107 record as a coach.