Mike Leach to Receive Posthumous Paul 'Bear' Bryant Heart of a Champion Award

The American Heart Association will posthumously honor Mike Leach, one of college football's most innovative coaches, with the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award. Leach, who passed away in December 2022 at age 61 after suffering a heart attack, will be recognized for his exceptional contributions to college football and the communities he touched throughout his coaching career.

The award presentation, scheduled for January 21, 2026, in Houston, celebrates individuals whose notable contributions and positive influence have helped define the sports experience while exemplifying the characteristics for which Coach Bryant was known, including integrity, perseverance, determination and grit. The ceremony will air on CBS Sports Network and is part of the annual Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards presented by Memorial Hermann Health System.

"Coach Leach's impact transcended the game he loved," said Nancy Brown, American Heart Association chief executive officer. "He inspired generations with his innovative spirit, authenticity and fearless leadership - qualities that embody the enduring legacy of Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant and the American Heart Association."

Leach revolutionized offensive football with his development of the air raid system, transforming passing attacks across the college landscape. During his head coaching tenures at Texas Tech University, Washington State University and Mississippi State University, he fine-tuned an offensive system that shattered records and produced a combined 158-106 record over 21 seasons. His teams won 18 games over AP-ranked teams while unranked themselves - the most since the AP poll was introduced in 1998.

The coaching legend's innovative approach produced remarkable results, including two quarterbacks selected in the NFL draft - Tim Couch of the University of Kentucky picked No. 1 overall in 1999 and current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury taken as a sixth-round pick in 2003. After the 2008 season that saw his Texas Tech Red Raiders post an 11-2 record and secure a Cotton Bowl berth, Leach received multiple coaching honors including Big 12 Conference Coach of the Year, the Woody Hayes Trophy and the George Munger Award.

Sharon Leach, the coach's widow, will accept the award on her husband's behalf. "Our family is truly honored that Mike will be receiving the Heart of a Champion award," she said. "We're grateful to the American Heart Association and the Bear Bryant Awards for this recognition of Mike's contribution to college football."

The Heart of a Champion Award, now in its seventh year, has previously recognized some of college football's most accomplished figures including Mark Richt (2025), Olivia and Archie Manning (2024), Mark Dantonio (2023), David Shaw (2022), Sylvester Croom (2021) and Lee Corso (2020). The award selection is made by the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team.

Leach's unconventional background - he was a graduate of Brigham Young University in Provo, Utah - brought fresh perspectives to college football that produced more than 150 victories. His teams not only competed in bowl games nearly every year but also broke barriers by proving that innovation and adaptability could outmatch tradition and resources. Fans can follow the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards and track progress of the awards at facebook.com/bryantawards, x.com/bryantawards or by following the hashtag #BryantAwards.

The American Heart Association, which presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate coaching excellence and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission, continues its work as a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere. The organization's broader mission can be explored at heart.org.