Mississippi State Head Coach Dies at 61
Mississippi State head football coach Mike Leach has died at the age of 61.
Leach had been admitted to hospital on Sunday for what the school called a «personal health matter.»
"Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at UMMC as a final act of charity. We are supported and uplifted by the outpouring of love and prayers from family, friends, Mississippi State University, the hospital staff, and football fans around the world," the family said in a statement. "Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father's life."
The 61-year-old football coach had a massive heart attack at his home and did not receive medical attention for between 10-15 minutes, according to the outlet. Medical personnel who arrived reportedly used a defibrillator machine and shocked his heart back to normal rhythm.
On Sunday, school president Mark Keenum and interim athletic director Bracky Brett said in a statement that defensive coordinator Zach Arnett would be "in charge of the MSU football team" during Leach's absence.
The Bulldogs (8-4, 4-4 SEC) are scheduled to face Illinois (8-4, 5-4 Big 10) in the ReliaQuest Bowl Jan. 2 (12:05 p.m. ET, ESPN) in Tampa, Florida. It is unclear if the game will be played.
