Mike Leach's Hall Of Fame Nomination: A Look At His Legacy

Mike Leach, the Pirate, the Mad Scientist, who created an eccentric and revolutionary offensive known as the Air Raid and whose teams lit up the scoreboards and yardage by set dozens of scoring and passing records during his 21-years as head coach, is among the nominees to be considered for induction with the 2027 College Football Hall of Fame class.

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Mike Leach walked many a sidelines for 35-years from 1987 at Cal Poly to 1999 at Oklahoma. Then in 2000, The Pirate got the call to Captain his own ship at Texas Tech. In 2012, the Pirate swung his sword at Washington State University. Where he ruled the Palouse Sea for seven years. In 2020, Mike Leach made his last port call at Mississippi State.

The Cougars' Mike Leach watching from the sideline against Sun Devils — Getty Images

To this day, I still feel the Pirate's spirit at Washington State University with I go to catch the Cougs play. His Air Raid offense was like hanging on for dear life with all sails full during the ride and that special knack of stealing the victory from the jaws of their Top 25 ranked opponents. (Eighteen times!! Argh)

Today, I received text notice that Mike Leach name and the Ballots for the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2027 went out in the mail today, from the National Football Foundation and the inductees will be announced in January 2027.

This past year, the NFF had meetings and one thing that came out of those meeting were adjustment to the requirement to be nominated to College Football Hall of Fame.

The Bulldogs's head coach Mike Leach talking to QB during Time Out — Getty Images

The NFF announced last year the minimum career winning percentage required would go from .600 to .595 for coaches to be considered. Beginning in 2027.

Leach is on the nomination list with .596 winning percentage with a 158-107 record at Mississippi State, Texas Tech and Washington State.

So, with that change in the requirement criteria. The Pirate of the Palouse is being considered. As it should be! Congratulations, Coach Leach!

Here is a list of a few coaches and players that are on nominated list, courtesy of the National Football Foundation. Cam Newton, Darryl Rogers, Jackie Sherrill, Robert Griffin III, Tommy Tuberville.