Ryan Silverfield, Memphis football extend condolences after death of Mississippi State's Mike Leach

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach blazed a trail throughout the sport thanks to his innovative Air-Raid offense and colorful personality. That trail reached Memphis, where the Tigers faced Leach and the Bulldogs this season and in 2021.

Leach, 61, died Monday night following complications from a heart condition. Memphis coach Ryan Silverfield was among many who offered condolences Tuesday after hearing the news.

"I’m devastated to hear of the passing of Coach Leach. I had nothing but tremendous respect for him, not only as a coach, but as a man. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and Mississippi State University," Silverfield said on Twitter.

In a statement, the Memphis athletic department said it sends "our thoughts and prayers to our friends and colleagues down in Starkville and all those who were impacted by (Leach)."

Defensive backs coach Charles Clark, who coached against Leach in three games as an assistant at Colorado and Oregon, also shared his condolences in a brief statement.

"Thoughts and Prayers for the Leach Family. One hell of a Coach, even better Man," Clark wrote.

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Memphis long snapper Colby Cox, who spent two seasons at Mississippi State before transferring this year, thanked Leach for giving him the chance to "live out my dreams of playing college football."

"I’m forever grateful for the opportunity and time we spent. Rest easy Coach Leach," Cox wrote.

Memphis defeated Mississippi State 31-29 in 2021 at home and lost to the Bulldogs 49-23 on Sept. 3 in Starkville.

Prior to this year's meeting, Tigers defensive coordinator Matt Barnes called Leach a master of the Air-Raid offense, which helped college football evolve to a more pass-heavy sport over the last decade. It made Barnes excited to call plays against Leach because he wanted the challenge of facing someone he's admired for years.

"I studied that offense and really enjoyed listening to him talk and some of the clinics he's given. I have a ton of respect for him," Barnes said.

Leach coached at Mississippi State for the past three seasons. Prior to that, he spent 10 years coaching at Texas Tech (2000-09) and eight seasons at Washington State (2012-19).

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Memphis football extends condolences after death of Mike Leach