vs
Ole Miss
Nov 28 (Fri)
11 a.m.
What They're Saying: Mike Leach
“As Mark Twain said: ‘The greatest swordsman in the world doesn’t fear the second greatest swordsman. He always fears the unconventional swordsman.’ Mike Leach is someone to fear because he is the unconventional swordsman.”
- Michael Lombardi, Former NFL Executive/Author of “Gridiron Genius”
“Bill Walsh always told me: ‘Very few people can coach a quarterback, and even fewer can evaluate them.’ Mike Leach is one of those few.”
- Michael Lombardi, Former NFL Executive/Author of “Gridiron Genius”
“Coach Leach is one of the best offensive minds I’ve ever been around. He had a huge impact on my life as both a coach and a player.”
- Seth Littrell, North Texas Head Coach
“Mike Leach is a pioneer in offensive football and the SEC has yet to see anything like his offense. They also haven’t heard a head coach who has interests far beyond the gridiron. I think he will have the opportunity to turn the SEC on its head quickly, on various fronts. He’s become a great friend and someone I admire for his curiosity, desire to seek the best for his program and willingness to be himself. A great get for Mississippi State and they are fortunate to have him and his family as a part of their community.”
- Yogi Roth, Pac-12 Network
"Mike Leach is a great hire for Mississippi State. He is one of the most unique and creative minds in the game of football and should bring an exciting style of play to the fans in Starkville. The numbers his offense put up the last time he coached in the SEC were record-setting and I would expect strong results this time around as well."
- Bob Stoops, Former Oklahoma Head Coach / Dallas Renegades Head Coach & General Manager
“Without a doubt Mike Leach is one of the greatest offensive minds in college football history. What truly sets him apart is his ability to develop quarterbacks and consistently produce high-powered offenses everywhere he’s been. I cannot wait to see him continue that at Mississippi State and I know that program is in for one heck of a ride.”
- Kliff Kingsbury, Arizona Cardinals Head Coach
“Leach is one of the best-known offensive minds in college football, as his Air Raid-style system has become pervasive in the sport and also spread to the NFL.”
- Pete Thamel, Yahoo Sports!
“I think this a great hire for Mississippi State. This seems to grab national headlines in college football. He’s proven in two other places where college football is king that he can win.”
- Mark Kubiak, Paul Finebaum/SEC Network
“One of the nation’s most innovative offensive minds.”
- Brett McMurphy, Stadium
“We know the offense will work. We know Leach will find quarterbacks and receivers who can break records. If he staffs the defense appropriately, the Bulldogs may be able to continue to outpunch their weight and live in the manner to which they had become accustomed.”
-Andy Staples, The Athletic
“Congrats to Mississippi State on the hiring of my close friend Coach Mike Leach. Mike will give Mississippi State fans an exciting, disciplined and focused team with his unique perspective of running a successful program. This will be a great era of Mississippi State football.”
-Urban Meyer, three-time national champion head coach and current FOX Sports analyst
“There's no question he was one of the brightest young coaches coming up. If I'd been smart, I'd have hired him.”
-Jackie Sherrill