Longtime college football coach Mike Leach died Monday night and former president Donald Trump is mourning the loss of his friend.
After spending days in the hospital, the former Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach passed away this week due to complications from a heart condition. Leach was universally beloved for his big personality, and as tributes poured in throughout the week, Trump offered one of his own.
Trump on the death of Coach Mike Leach. pic.twitter.com/6mdVTAVWRM
— Elizabeth Crisp ⚜️ (@elizabethcrisp) December 14, 2022
“Mike Leach was an incredible Patriot and Coach, with a big heart for our Country and for Football,” Trump wrote in his statement. “From the very beginning, Mike was on Team MAGA, because he believed in our Great American Dream, something he lived, and helped others to achieve for themselves. My deepest condolences to his wife, Sharon, and family. Coach Mike Leach will be missed by us all.”
Leach never hid his support of the former president, openly endorsing the Republican candidate when he ran against Hillary Clinton in 2016. The college football coach also spoke at a Trump rally in 2019 and he pushed back against those who criticized him for his political leanings.
Despite never shying away from being on “Team MAGA,” Leach was a bit of a unicorn, as his popularity and quirky personality made him one of the few Trump supporters who was cherished by Democrats and Republicans. And that universal respect for Leach is proved by the wide variety of people who continue to eulogize his passing this week.
About Brandon Contes
Brandon Contes is a staff writer for Awful Announcing and The Comeback. He previously helped carve the sports vertical for Mediaite and spent more than three years with Barrett Sports Media. Send tips/comments/complaints to bcontes@thecomeback.com