American Heart Association to Honor Late Coach Mike Leach with 2026 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 larger-than-life impact on the game, his players, and the communities he touched throughout his coaching career.

Nancy Brown, American Heart Association chief executive officer, stated that "Coach Leach's impact transcended the game he loved. 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." The award recognizes individuals whose notable contributions and positive influence have helped define the sports experience while exemplifying characteristics for which Coach Bryant was known, including integrity, perseverance, determination and grit.

Leach revolutionized offensive football with his development of the air raid system, transforming passing attacks across the college landscape. He fine-tuned this offensive system that shattered records during his head coaching tenures at Texas Tech University, Washington State University and Mississippi State University. Throughout his career, Leach's teams consistently produced record-breaking offenses and thrilling performances that reshaped how the game is played.

His coaching record of 158-106 included 18 victories over AP-ranked teams while his own team was unranked - the most since the AP poll was introduced in 1998. 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.

The Heart of a Champion Award, now in its seventh year, is selected by the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Executive Leadership Team. Previous recipients include Mark Richt (2025), Olivia and Archie Manning (2024), Mark Dantonio (2023), David Shaw (2022), Sylvester Croom (2021) and Lee Corso (2020). Leach's widow, Sharon, will receive the award in honor of her husband's legacy during the ceremony scheduled for January 21, 2026 in Houston.

The American Heart Association presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate coaching excellence, honor Coach Bryant's legacy, and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. Coach Bryant himself died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement. The Heart of a Champion Award is one of five honors presented during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony, which will air on CBS Sports Network. Fans can follow the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards and track progress of the awards at facebook.com/bryantawards or x.com/bryantawards.