Mississippi State defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was named the interim coach of the Bulldogs on Sunday. Long-term plans for the head-coaching vacancy haven’t been announced as the unique challenges of a sitting college football head coach passing away are still in their early stages. Leach was the second active college football head coach to die over the last few days as Highland Community College’s Jared Powers passed unexpectedly on Saturday.

“Mike was a giving and attentive husband, father and grandfather. He was able to participate in organ donation at (University of Mississippi Medical Center) as a final act of charity,” the Leach family said in a statement to Mississippi State. “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.”

Starting in 1989, Leach spent 10 seasons as an offensive coordinator under Hal Mumme where the duo set the foundation for the air raid offense. Those explosive spread offenses worked at three schools — Iowa Wesleyan, Valdosta State, and Kentucky. Leach led his teams to bowl appearances in all but two seasons as a head coach and garnered an overall record of 158-107. Leach is still the winningest coach in Texas Tech football history. 

Fellow coaches and other sports figures paid tribute to Leach on social media.