Columnist Kevin Scarbinsky ponders 'a question that can never be answered but an alternative reality delicious in its possibilities: What if the pirate had planted his flag on the Plains?'
Mike Leach’s life moved people. His sudden, shocking passing at age 61 has done the same. A parade of voices from lives he lifted, often by just picking up the phone, has come forward to pay tribute to a man who turned curiosity, non-conformity and an affinity for putting the football in the air into an art form all his own.
Alabama’s Nick Saban noted the unpredictable paths their conversations would take but warmly remembered a consistent destination: “They always made me smile.” Auburn’s John Cohen, who hired him at Mississippi State, described his friend as “a pioneer, intellectual giant, provocateur and fearless warrior.” That is an elegy as unique and powerful as the party of one it honors.
Now comes one of the most influential figures in the history of Auburn, the football program and the university, with a compliment as singular and unexpected as the many musings of the pirate-coach himself.That is stop-the-presses stuff. That is an on-the-record comment from a quite private retired individual once known as the most powerful booster in college athletics.
Of all the wonderful things all the powerful people have said about Leach, there may be nothing more telling than those seven words. Lowder’s respect for him grew through the years, so much so that the clear-eyed former banker is moved to wonder what might have been. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Mike Leach almost coached at Villanova | Mike JensenWith the passing of the Mississippi State head coach, it’s worth going back to 1996, to the time former Villanova coach Andy Talley wanted a new offensive coordinator with big ideas
Read more »
Why Mike Leach Was ‘the Most Interesting Man Alive’“He was the most interesting man alive.” After Mike Leach’s death, those who knew him told RossDellenger stories—of unpredictable conversations, late-night adventures, wildlife encounters and more
Read more »
Reports: Mississippi State to promote Zach Arnett to head coach following death of Mike LeachFollowing the death of Mike Leach, Mississippi State has reportedly made a decision about the future of its football program.
Read more »
Perspective | In the esoteric mind of Mike Leach, football was just the tip of the swordThe unconventional coach was the ultimate football outlier: He didn't care what anyone else thought.
Read more »
Aaron Rodgers pays tribute to Mike Leach, talks about ayahuasca (again) on 'The Pat McAfee Show'Aaron Rodgers said Mike Leach 'revolutionized the college game,' referencing his teams' Air Raid attack. Rodgers said he's saddened to hear the news.
Read more »
Mississippi State to play in bowl game following death of Mike LeachMississippi State's football team is planning to play its bowl game against the Illinois Fighting Illini despite the death of head coach Mike Leach Monday night.
Read more »