Lubbock, TX — Texas Tech Red Raiders Football Honors the Winningest Coach in Program History, the Mastermind Behind the NCAA Record-Setting Air Raid Offense: Mike Leach (In Blessed Memory). Read More
In an emotional and historic tribute, the Texas Tech Red Raiders football program honored the legendary Mike Leach, the program’s winningest head coach in history and the pioneering architect behind the NCAA’s record-setting Air Raid offense, whose influence can still be felt throughout the sport. The ceremony, held at Jones AT&T Stadium in front of thousands of committed fans, alumni, and former players, was more than simply a tribute; it was a celebration of a legacy that permanently changed the face of Texas Tech football.
Leach, who led the Red Raiders from 2000 to 2009, made a lasting mark not only on the program but on collegiate football in general. Under his leadership, Texas Tech broke records, challenged great teams, and elevated a fearless, pass-happy offense to national prominence. His career resulted in 84 wins, the most in school history, as well as a series of bowl game berths and memorable victories over powerhouses like Texas and Oklahoma.
What what made Leach memorable was his unorthodox genius. He was a former lawyer turned coach who violated standard football coaching norms. He was philosophical, eccentric, and undeniably innovative. Leach believed that the game should be exciting, fast, and unpredictable, so he unleashed the Air Raid, an offense based on short passes, unrelenting tempo, and explosive playmaking. It was groundbreaking, and it is still being replicated at all levels of football today.
During the moving homage, a new bronze monument of Leach was revealed just outside the stadium gates, depicting him with a play sheet in hand and his familiar, contemplative expression. The engraving says, “Mike Leach — Innovator. Leader. Legend.”
Former Red Raider greats like Graham Harrell, Michael Crabtree, and Wes Welker returned to Lubbock to pay their respects. Each described Leach not only as a coach, but also as a mentor, storyteller, and someone who dared to believe in possibilities when no one else did.
“We weren’t supposed to be great, but Coach Leach made us believe we could beat anybody,” Harrell told me. “He granted us freedom. He boosted our confidence. And he transformed all of our lives.
In connection with the commemoration, Texas Tech announced the renaming of the team’s indoor practice facility the Mike Leach Air Raid Center, ensuring that future generations of Red Raiders recognize and cherish the tradition he established.
While Mike Leach is no longer with us physically, his spirit lives on in every wide-open playbook, every quarterback who throws 50 passes per game, and the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to learn from him.
The Red Raiders will always bear his legacy, not just in wins and numbers, but also in the courage to be different and question the game itself.
Rest in power, Coach. Your brilliance, wit, and heart will not be forgotten. 🕊️❤️🏈