Missouri coach Eliah Drinkwitz expressed his hopes for the late coach Mike Leach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame at SEC Media Days in Atlanta in July 2025. Drinkwitz called for Leach’s nomination despite not meeting the required criteria due to his significant impact on college football with the “Air Raid” spread system. Leach, who passed away unexpectedly in 2022, fell just short of the .600 win percentage needed for Hall of Fame eligibility.
Drinkwitz emphasized Leach’s coaching accomplishments, innovative offensive strategies, and overall influence on the sport. He urged the National Football Foundation CEO to recognize Leach’s undeniable Hall of Fame qualifications and legacy. Despite Leach’s career win percentage of 59.6, Drinkwitz believes he deserves a place in the Hall of Fame for his contributions to the game.
Leach’s impact was acknowledged by Tennessee head coach Josh Heupel as well, who reminisced about being recruited by Leach during his time at Oklahoma. Heupel expressed excitement about facing Leach’s former team, Oklahoma, as an SEC opponent and reflected on his connections to the program.
The campaign for Mike Leach’s induction into the College Football Hall of Fame continues, with coaches and fans alike recognizing his lasting legacy and valuable contributions to the sport.
