Mike Leach (American football coach)'s Success and Achievements in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 29, 2025

A success timeline featuring the most significant achievements of Mike Leach (American football coach).

Mike Leach, nicknamed "the Pirate," was a prominent American college football coach known for pioneering the "Air Raid" offense. He achieved significant success at Texas Tech, becoming their all-time winningest coach. He also coached at Washington State and Mississippi State. Leach earned recognition as a two-time national coach of the year and three-time conference coach of the year. His innovative offensive strategies and charismatic personality made him a notable figure in college football.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1995: Copper Bowl Win

In 1995, Texas Tech beat the Air Force Falcons in the Copper Bowl, and then they had their first postseason win since that in 2002.

1997: First time sweeping in-state rivals

In 1997, Texas Tech first swept its in-state conference rivals Baylor, Texas, and Texas A&M, and then they achieved this again in 2002.

2002: Nine-win Season and Tangerine Bowl victory

In 2002, Mike Leach led the Red Raiders to a nine-win season, swept in-state rivals, and won the Tangerine Bowl against Clemson, marking their first postseason win since 1995.

2004: Upset of California in Holiday Bowl

In 2004, Mike Leach's Red Raiders, led by Sonny Cumbie, upset the then-4th ranked California in the Holiday Bowl.

2004: Come-from-Behind Win over TCU

In 2004, Mike Leach's Texas Tech had a come-from-behind 70–35 win over TCU after trailing 21–0.

2005: Come-from-Behind Win over Kansas State

In 2005, Mike Leach's Red Raiders had a come-from-behind win over Kansas State, winning 59-20 after trailing 13-10.

2006: QB Graham Harrell Improvment

In 2006, Mike Leach's Red Raiders showed steady improvement beginning with the game against Iowa State.

2007: Nine-win Season

In 2007, Mike Leach led the Red Raiders to another nine-win season.

December 2, 2008: Big 12 Coach of the Year

On December 2, 2008, Mike Leach was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year by the Associated Press.

2008: Eleven-win Season

In 2008, Mike Leach led the Red Raiders to an eleven-win season.

2013: Cougars invited to New Mexico Bowl

In 2013, Mike Leach led WSU to a 6–6 regular season that had them bowl eligible for the first time in a decade. The Cougars were invited to the New Mexico Bowl in Albuquerque, losing to the Colorado State Rams. Leach received a pay raise for the Cougars' 2013 performance.

2015: Cougars Have Breakthrough Season

In 2015, the Cougars, led by Mike Leach, had their breakthrough season with a 9–4 record and were invited to the Sun Bowl in El Paso, Texas, where they beat the Miami Hurricanes. This was the best Cougar record since 2003.

2018: Cougars Win School Record-Tying Ten Games

In 2018, Leach recruited graduate transfer Gardner Minshew and the Cougars won a school record-tying ten games. They were invited to the Alamo Bowl in San Antonio where they won for a school record 11th win.