Mississippi State announced Tuesday that they extended the contract of head football coach Mike Leach through 2025.
Instead of making $5 million a year, Leach will now be making $5.5 million, according to the Clarion-Ledger. During his two years with State, which include the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Leach has compiled a record of 11-13.
Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach has signed a two-year extension. https://t.co/ZQJ8qXl4T0
— Clarion Ledger (@clarionledger) June 28, 2022
Combined with his previous head coaching stints at Texas Tech and Washington State, Leach holds a 150-103 record with 18 bowl appearances in 20 seasons.
Some people thought this was probably the best move by MSU to extend his contract since it was coming to an end in 2023.
Smart move by Mississippi State to announce Mike Leach's extension a few weeks before SEC Media Days.
Sooner or later, people were going to start talking about the fact that he was only under contract through 2023.
— Connor O'Gara (@cjogara) June 28, 2022
This also should bring a sigh of relief to Bulldog fans who may have worried about Leach not being there past next year.
After a three-win improvement in 2021 (including impressive wins against Texas A&M, Kentucky, NC State and Auburn), Mike Leach and #MississippiState have agreed to a two-year extension.https://t.co/WsoiCVm7Kx
— Jon Sokoloff (@JonSokoloff) June 28, 2022
But despite Leach’s improved season last year, some people are skeptical as to why an under .500 record coach is receiving an extension in one of the toughest conferences in the country.
I understand giving Mike Leach a contract extension. Only having two years left can be used against you in recruiting, etc.
But if we're being honest, if it came with a pay increase it's a mistake. That hasn't been earned yet.
— Michael Borkey (@MichaelBorkey) June 28, 2022
Mike Leach got a contract and extension and a raise from Mississippi State. Is it deserved? And what message is it sending?
Watch here: https://t.co/xIA4k544rb pic.twitter.com/j5Q0zBaraw
— SportsTalk Mississippi (@SportsTalkMiss) June 29, 2022
Despite his small success, Leach has managed to at least keep things interesting in Starkville. And last year’s improvement must have given them confidence or enough belief that things are on the up and up.
At times, the Bulldogs’ offense was among one of the best, not only in the SEC but in the country as well. At other times, such as in games against rival Ole Miss and Alabama, they look pedestrian.
Still, in the end, Leach has kept his team competitive in a league that can be extremely hard to do so.
About Stacey Mickles
Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.