NFL fans and players mourn the tragic loss of Mississippi St HC Mike Leach - "This is a terrible day for college football"

Football legend and pioneer, Mike Leach, tragically passed away on Tuesday morning, Dec. 13, after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.Adam Schefter@AdamSchefterMississippi State football coach Mike Leach died Monday night after complications related to a heart condition, the school announced. He was 61.espn.com/college-footba…70121000Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach died Monday night after complications related to a heart condition, the school announced. He was 61.espn.com/college-footba…Leach had a massive heart attack on Sunday at his home in Starkville and was transferred to the University of Mississippi Medical Center for treatment.After a day-and-a-half battle, he was pronounced dead early this morning.Leach was a college football head coach from 2000-09 and 2012-22. He coached Texas Tech from 2000-09. He was then Washington State's head coach from 2012-2019. Leach was most recently with Mississippi State and finished 8-4 this season.As a head coach, he's led his teams to 19 bowl games, produced seven seasons of at least nine victories, and won two conference titles while producing a 157-107 record as head coach.The heart attack was unexpected and the the news has affected many people heavily.The football world lost an iconic legend with the passing of Leach. Fans on Twitter expressed their respect by mourning the legendary coach. Here's how fans reacted to the heartbreaking news:Brandon Walker@BFWMike Leach was 1-of-1. He was one of the best characters in sports and was an innovator that helped change football. In a world where coaches are corporate and mostly the same, he stood out because he was genuinely himself.This is a terrible day for college football.163591680Mike Leach was 1-of-1. He was one of the best characters in sports and was an innovator that helped change football. In a world where coaches are corporate and mostly the same, he stood out because he was genuinely himself.This is a terrible day for college football.Darren Rovell@darrenrovellMike Leach is one of the few coaches who is as good on the field as off. His rants are all-time. His one five years ago on getting married might never be toppedhttps://t.co/9CJSc3tsUo twitter.com/robbiefaulk247…Robbie Faulk@robbiefaulk247Mike Leach needs a miracle, folks. Continue to pray.104291476Mike Leach needs a miracle, folks. Continue to pray.Mike Leach is one of the few coaches who is as good on the field as off. His rants are all-time. His one five years ago on getting married might never be toppedhttps://t.co/9CJSc3tsUo twitter.com/robbiefaulk247…Brett Kollmann@BrettKollmannTruly devastated by the passing of Mike Leach. He was a one-of-one, and the entire football world will miss him dearly.Rest in Peace, coach.1187Truly devastated by the passing of Mike Leach. He was a one-of-one, and the entire football world will miss him dearly.Rest in Peace, coach.Brandon Walker@BFWMike Leach was truly one of the most genuine men in sports.2269146Mike Leach was truly one of the most genuine men in sports. https://t.co/AcXa5OYgcOMike Beauvais@MikeBeauvaisMike Leach breaking down a potential Pac-12 mascot fight.He was one of a kind. RIP1208368Mike Leach breaking down a potential Pac-12 mascot fight.He was one of a kind. RIP https://t.co/KEp1FOnAipSuper 70s Sports@Super70sSportsPulling for Mike Leach tonight. This clip alone makes him a goddamn American hero.282623073Pulling for Mike Leach tonight. This clip alone makes him a goddamn American hero.https://t.co/eE9wrgN4nlJustin Spears@JustinESportsOne of my favorite Mike Leach soundbites is when he broke down a battle between Pac-12 mascots.Mike Leach was unique and one of a kind. RIP 🕊 (Via @Alyssacharlston)20550One of my favorite Mike Leach soundbites is when he broke down a battle between Pac-12 mascots.Mike Leach was unique and one of a kind. RIP 🕊 (Via @Alyssacharlston) https://t.co/daXuVocSwkMatt Miller@nfldraftscoutMike Leach leaves behind tons of broken hearts, but also a legacy as an innovator, a leader, an entertainer, a unique individual, a caring and loving husband, father and teacher. We could all be so lucky to be so loved. RIP, Coach.9611Mike Leach leaves behind tons of broken hearts, but also a legacy as an innovator, a leader, an entertainer, a unique individual, a caring and loving husband, father and teacher. We could all be so lucky to be so loved. RIP, Coach.Old Row Sports@OldRowSportsRest in Peace Mike Leach 🏻24843Rest in Peace Mike Leach 🙏🏻 https://t.co/NLsWTmdctnBen McDonald@Bmac0507The best Mike Leach moment5611763The best Mike Leach moment https://t.co/EPC7BHaYYQMSU Interim Athletics Director issued a statement regarding Mike Leach's deathGeorgia vs. Mississippi State.Mississippi State's interim athletic director, Bracky Brett, issued a statement following Leach's death. Brett praised Mike for his legacy, personality, and his incluence on athletes, students, coaches, fans and family.Brett said:&quot;We are heartbroken and devastated by the passing of Mike Leach College football lost one of its most beloved figures today, but his legacy will last forever. Mike's energetic personality, influential presence and extraordinary leadership touched millions of athletes, students, coaches, fans, family and friends for decades.&quot;Mike was an innovator, pioneer and visionary. He was a college football icon, a coaching legend but an even better person. We are all better for having known Mike Leach. The thoughts and prayers of Mississippi State University and the entire Bulldog family are with his wife Sharon, his children and the entire Leach family.&quot;Leach was 61 years old at the time of his death. His number 22 ranked Bulldogs will face Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl on Monday, Jan. 2, 2023.If you use any of the above quotes, please credit Bracket Brett and H/T Sportskeeda.