Photo: Getty Images
Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach "remains in critical condition," the school announced in a statement updating Leach's health status Monday (December 12) morning.
"Mississippi State University head football coach Mike Leach remains in critical condition at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson," the school said in a post shared on its Mississippi State Football verified Twitter account. "Mike's family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family's privacy be respected at this time.
"That is the extent of information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach's condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time. MSU will issue additional information via social media when it becomes available.
Mississippi State University confirmed Leach's hospitalization for "a personal health issue" in an official statement shared on its website Sunday (December 11) night, adding that defensive coordinator Zach Arnett would be "in charge of the MUS football team until Coach Leach returns."
"That issue led to a decision to transfer Coach Leach to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson by ambulance," the school said. "That is the extent of information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach's condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time other than to say that the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and Sharon and their family."
Robbie Faulk, who covers Mississippi State for 247Sports and the Starkville Daily News, tweeted that Leach, "needs a miracle" and asked his followers to "continue to pray," in an update on the coach's status Sunday night.
Sports Illustrated college football writer Ross Dellenger quote-tweeted Faulk's post and added that "Mike Leach's health situation is critical."
Leach, 61, took over as Mississippi State's head coach in 2020 after previous tenures with Washington State (2012-19) and Texas Tech (2012-19).
The California native has a collegiate career head coaching record of 158-107, which includes a 19-17 (11-15 SEC) record during his current tenure at Mississippi State, as well as having previously won the Big 12 South division title in 2008 at Texas Tech and the Pac-12 North division title in 2018 at Washington State.
Leach, a former two-time Pac-12 Coach of the Year (2015, 2018) and Big 12 Coach of the Year (2008), is one of college football's biggest personalities, having shared numerous viral soundbites throughout his coaching career while excelling as an offensive-minded coach credited for helping popularize the "Air Raid" offense.