Mike Leach Named to 2027 NFF Hall of Fame Ballot

PULLMAN — Mike Leach, celebrated as one of the premier coaches in Washington State University football history, is now on track for recognition. For the first time, Leach has been included on the ballot for the National Football Foundation's College Football Hall of Fame, which announced its annual candidates on Monday. The final selections will be revealed in January.

This milestone is particularly significant due to recent changes made by the NFF regarding eligibility criteria. Following Leach’s unexpected passing in December 2022, after his tenure at Mississippi State, he had a career winning percentage of .596, just shy of the .600 threshold previously required. In response to this, the NFF adjusted its standards to .595, thus allowing Leach to be nominated.

During his tenure at WSU from 2012 to 2018, Leach propelled the Cougars to impressive national standings, most notably with his innovative Air Raid offense. Under his leadership, the team made six bowl appearances, culminating in a standout 2018 season that saw the Cougars secure 11 victories, including a win at the Alamo Bowl and a final ranking of No. 10.

Leach received accolades as the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in both 2015 and 2018, and his coaching prowess helped produce two of WSU's all-time great quarterbacks, Connor Halliday and Gardner Minshew, both of whom set numerous records during their careers.

Also featured on this year's ballot is former WSU quarterback Ryan Leaf, now a television commentator, who was a first-team All-American in 1997 and achieved the highest Heisman Trophy finish in WSU history. The ballot further includes Kellen Moore, brother of current WSU head coach Kirby Moore, who is known for his successful career as a quarterback at Boise State and his current role as head coach of the New Orleans Saints.