Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach dies aged 61

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach has died aged 61, the school announced Tuesday morning.

Leach passed away Monday night at the University of Mississippi Medical Center following complications from a heart condition.

A statement from his family read: 'Mike was a giving was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. 

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach has died aged 61, the school announced Tuesday

'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.

'Thank you for sharing in the joy of our beloved husband and father's life.'  

Mississippi State University President Mark E. Keenum said: 'Coach Mike Leach cast a tremendous shadow not just over Mississippi State University, but over the entire college football landscape. 

'His innovative 'Air Raid' offense changed the game. Mike's keen intellect and unvarnished candor made him one of the nation's true coaching legends. His passing brings great sadness to our university, to the Southeastern Conference, and to all who loved college football. 

'I will miss Mike's profound curiosity, his honesty, and his wide-open approach to pursuing excellence in all things.

'Mike's death also underscores the fragility and uncertainty of our lives. Three weeks ago, Mike and I were together in the locker room celebrating a hard-fought victory in Oxford. 

Mike Leach truly embraced life and lived in such a manner as to leave no regrets. That's a worthy legacy. May God bless the Leach family during these days and hours. The prayers of the Bulldog family go with them.'