Mississippi State Coach Mike Leach reportedly suffered heart attack; is in critical condition

Update 2:31 p.m. EST Dec. 12: Mississippi State Coach Mike Leach suffered a heart attack at his home Sunday, according to the Clarion Ledger.

Leach was flown to the University of Mississippi Medical Center where, according to some reports, he remains unresponsive.

According to the Ledger, “Leach collapsed at his home in Starkville, but did not receive medical attention for between 10 to 15 minutes. EMTs used a defibrillator machine and delivered multiple shocks to restore normal heart rhythm.”

Earlier today, the university issued this statement:

“Mississippi State University head football coach Mike Leach remains in critical condition at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson,” the statement read. “Mike’s family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family’s privacy be respected at this time.

“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.”

Original story:

Mississippi State football coach Mike Leach is reportedly seriously ill in a Mississippi hospital following a health emergency he suffered at his home Sunday, The Associated Press is reporting.

While there is no official word on his condition from the hospital or school officials, a Sport’s Illustrated reporter described Leach as suffering from a “critical medical situation” in a tweet Sunday, while another reporter said Leach “needed a miracle.”

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Leach, 61, was initially treated at a local hospital, then airlifted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, according to Mississippi State’s athletic department.

The medical center is about 125 miles away from Starkville, Mississippi, where Mississippi State is located.

The school said in a statement it had no further comment on Leach’s condition, though Sid Salter, Mississippi State’s director of public affairs, added “that the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and (wife) Sharon and their family.”

Robbie Faulk, a reporter with 247 Sports, tweeted on Sunday that Leach “needed a miracle,” following the health issue.

Sports Illustrated’s Ross Dellenger tweeted that Leach’s medical situation was “critical”, and asked followers to keep Leach in their thoughts.

Leach acknowledged a bout of pneumonia late in the season that was causing a persistent cough, the AP reported.

Leach is in his third season at Mississippi State, and has a 19-17 record.

As news of Leach’s condition spread, coaches and journalists tweeted words of support.

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