Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach ‘critical’ after being rushed to hospital with ‘personal health issue’
FOOTBALL coach Mike Leach has been rushed to hospital in a "critical" condition with reports he "needs a miracle".
Mississippi State confirmed the beloved Bulldogs coach had suffered a "personal health issue" at his home.
The 61-year-old was taken 125 miles by ambulance from Starkville to Jackson, Mississippi.
Leach was said to be in "high spirits" and had attended a Christmas Party just hours before he was hospitalised.
University of Houston coach Dana Holgorsen tweeted: "My thoughts are with my mentor, my colleague and, more importantly, my friend, Mike Leach.
"While I am devastated by today’s news, I know Mike is a fighter with an incredible spirit and I know he will continue to battle."
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The coach is in his third season with Mississippi State and has a 19-17 record overall after joining from Washington State.
247Sports reporter Robbie Faulk tweeted: "Mike Leach needs a miracle, folks. Continue to pray."
Leach played rugby for Brigham Young University from 1979 to 1983 before focusing on his coaching career.
His longest tenure was with Texas Tech from 2000 to 2009.
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Sports Illustrated journalist Ross Dellenger tweeted: "Mike Leach's health situation is critical.
" Keep the coach and his family in your thoughts."
The decorated coach has won numerous awards, including multiple "Coach of the Year" accolades.
WCBINews reporter Grace Ybarra tweeted: "Still trying to wrap my head around this all. Mike Leach was in high spirits at a Christmas party with many of us in the media just last night.
"Please continue to prayer for him."
Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett will serve as Mississippi interim head coach during Leach's absence.
No. 22 Mississippi State (8-4) is slated to face Illinois (8-4) in the ReliaQuest Bowl in Tampa, Florida, on January 2.
Sid Salter, director of public affairs at the university, said: "Mississippi State University Head Football Coach Mike Leach had a personal health issue at his home earlier today.
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"That issue led to a decision to transfer Coach Leach to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson by ambulance.
"That is the extent of information that MSU has available regarding Coach Leach’s condition, and the university will make no other comment at this time other than to say that the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and Sharon and their family."