Mike Leach Honored with Heart of Champion Award Posthumously

The late Mike Leach, one of college football's most innovative coaches, will be honored posthumously with the American Heart Association's 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award. Presented by Houston's St. Luke's Health, this prestigious recognition celebrates Leach's extraordinary impact on the game and communities he served throughout his coaching career. The award ceremony, scheduled for January 21, 2026 in Houston, will see Leach's widow Sharon accepting the honor on behalf of her husband, who passed away from a heart attack in December 2022 at age 61. The American Heart Association, through its Bear Bryant Awards program, aims to raise awareness and critical funds for cardiovascular health while honoring coaching excellence and Coach Bryant's legacy.

Leach revolutionized college football with his development of the air raid offensive system, transforming passing attacks across the sport during his tenures at Texas Tech University, Washington State University, and Mississippi State University. His innovative approach produced record-breaking offenses and thrilling performances that fundamentally changed how the game is played. Throughout his 21-season head coaching career, Leach compiled a remarkable 158-106 record, won 18 games over AP-ranked teams while his own team was unranked—the most since the AP poll began in 1998—and developed quarterbacks like Tim Couch and Kliff Kingsbury who went on to NFL careers. His 2008 Texas Tech team achieved an 11-2 record, earning him Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year honors and prestigious awards including the Woody Hayes Trophy.

The Heart of a Champion Award specifically recognizes individuals whose contributions and positive influence have defined sports experiences while embodying the characteristics Coach Bryant was known for: integrity, perseverance, determination, and grit. Previous recipients include coaching legends Mark Richt, Olivia and Archie Manning, and Lee Corso. This year's ceremony will also honor legendary former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer with the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with recognizing Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and the 2025 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year. Fans can track progress of the awards through various social media platforms including facebook.com/bryantawards and x.com/bryantawards, or by visiting the official bryantawards.org website for more information about attending the exclusive virtual VIP experience.