Mississippi State coach Mike Leach taken to hospital in Jackson

STARKVILLE, Mississippi (AP) — Mississippi State coach Mike Leach was taken to hospital on Sunday after what the university called “a personal health issue” that occurred at his home in Starkville.

Leach, 61, was transported by ambulance to the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, located about 200 miles upstate in Mississippi, the university said in a statement.

The school said it would have no further comment on Leach’s condition, adding “the thoughts and prayers of the university are with Mike and (wife) Sharon and their family.”

Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett was tasked with the football team by Mississippi State President Mark Keenum and acting athletic director Bracky Brett as he prepares for a ReliaQuest Bowl appearance against Illinois on January 1 in Tampa, Florida.

Leach is in his third season at Mississippi State, going 19-17. Towards the end of the season, he admitted to dealing with unspecified health issues which caused a persistent cough.

Leach, known for his prolific air raid offenses, is 158-107 in 21 seasons as a head coach at Texas Tech, Washington State and Mississippi State.

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