The Miami RedHawks honored the late Mississippi State coach Mike Leach during the Bahamas Bowl game against the UAB Blazers.
Bowl season may have finally arrived, but the college football world is still mourning the tragic loss of Mike Leach.
The former Mississippi State coach passed away on Monday at the age of 61 after suffering a massive heart attack. Coach Leach won everywhere he went, often in the most difficult situations. So it was no surprise that a team like the Miami RedHawks would pay tribute to The Pirate during their game against the UAB Blazers in the Bahamas. His spirit is alive within us.
Miami rocked a MAC crossbones decal on the back of her helmet, showing her love for Coach Leach.
RedHawks head coach Chuck Martin also wore a red jacket with the Jolly Roger logo stitched right across his heart, as well as on the sleeve of his jersey.
Miami also started the hashtag #FlyTheFlag, which will be used throughout the bowl season.
Miami (Ohio) honors fallen Pirates, Mike Leach during a bowl game
Of all the touching tributes we’ve seen over the past few days for Coach Leach, perhaps what means the most is the admiration and respect he has received from his fellow coaches. Whether it was from one of his Air Raid disciples like Dana Holgorsen (Houston), one of his fiercest rivals like Lane Kiffin (Ole Miss) or other coaches like Martin, Leach’s influence on them was huge.
With 41 more duck games left, we’ll definitely see dozens of FBS programs honoring The Spirit of The Pirate. His one-of-a-kind coaching career has taken him all over this great country of ours, improving the lives of many in the process. Coach Leach’s legacy will forever shape the sport we love. It was 100 percent what college football was ultimately about.
Overall, we are fortunate to have had an amazing season to help us honor the life of such a super coach. Leach may not have coached in many places where competing for national championships was a real-life project. However, he made every position he went into better because of the work he did and the culture he instilled. He never did that about himself, only the teams he led.
May we fly Jolly Rogers proudly, as we continue to celebrate the life and legacy of Mike Leach.
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