Commissioner Greg Sankey appeared to take a casual approach to this year’s election. SEC Football Release Press Days, But the lack of formal attire on Monday’s opening day wasn’t just a personal choice.
Sankey revealed that the decision not to wear a tie was a way to honor the former Mississippi State football coach Mike Leachwho died in December following complications from a heart condition.
SEC Commissioner Greg Sankey speaks during Day 1 of the 2023 SEC Media Days at the Grand Hyatt Nashville on July 17, 2023 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Johnnie Izquierdo/Getty Images)
He was 61 years old.
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“Last year in Atlanta, one of my backstage conversations was about the uselessness of ties. It was a conversation that lasted much longer than I expected and ended with the rhetorical question of why ties survived but powdered wigs disappeared. Sankey said as the crowd chuckled in response.
“That conversation was with mike leach and today I’m tieless just to honor Mike’s memory.”
Head Coach Mike Leach of the Mississippi State Bulldogs arrives at the stadium before a game against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium on November 6, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. (Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
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“It’s important that we remember the people who have contributed, whether short or long term, to this wonderful conference. And Mike will be missed, but we won’t forget him.”
In 21 seasons as head coach at texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State, Leach went 158-107. Six of the top 20 passing seasons in major college football history were by quarterbacks who played for Leach, including four of the top six.
September 17, 2022; Baton Rouge, Louisiana, United States; Mississippi State Bulldogs head coach Mike Leach watches the LSU Tigers during the first half at Tiger Stadium. (Stephen Lew-USA TODAY Sports)
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“We lost Mike in December, an important person not only for the Southeast Conference – we only had it for a few seasons, but for all of college football,” Sankey continued. “He was fascinating and impacted the lives of thousands of people across the spectrum of college football and throughout his life.”
Associated Press contributed to this report.
