Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was hospitalized Sunday after experiencing what the school termed ‘a personal health issue at his home.’
The school didn’t provide any other information per the health of the 61-year-old Leach.
Leach was taken by ambulance from his Starkville home to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, approximately 125 miles away.
Leach speaks to his quarterback Will Rogers during the first half of a game against Mississippi
‘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,’ the school said.
On Twitter, journalist Robbie Faulk – who covers the Mississippi State beat – wrote that Leach ‘needs a miracle’ on Sunday night.
Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett will serve as interim head coach during Leach’s absence.
No. 22 Mississippi State (8-4) is slated to face Illinois (8-4) in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on January 2.
Leach is in his third season with the Bulldogs and has a 19-17 record. Overall, he is 158-107 in 21 seasons at Texas Tech (2000-09), Washington State (2012-19) and Mississippi State.
Fans took to social media to heap praise on the much-loved college football coach
There was an outpouring of emotion from college football fans on Sunday night, with one local sports anchor admitting she was ‘still trying to wrap her head around’ the news.
In a tweet, Grace Ybarra noted: ‘Mike Leach was in high spirits at a Christmas party with many of us in the media just last night. Please continue to pray for him.’
One fan wrote: ‘As a Tech Alum I’ve seen plenty of Mike Leach comeback wins. I pray this is his biggest one yet,’ while another added: ‘Mike Leach is a national treasure. Praying for a miracle with his health condition. College football needs him on the sideline.’
