The American Heart Association will posthumously honor Mike Leach, the innovative college football coach who passed away in December 2022, with the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award. The award recognizes Leach's exceptional contributions to college football and the communities he served throughout his coaching career, while also raising awareness about heart health through the association's mission.
Presented by Houston-based St. Luke's Health, the Heart of a Champion Award celebrates individuals whose notable contributions and positive influence have helped define sports experiences while exemplifying characteristics associated with Coach Bryant, including integrity, perseverance, determination and grit. Nancy Brown, American Heart Association chief executive officer, emphasized that "Coach Leach's impact transcended the game he loved" and noted his "innovative spirit, authenticity and fearless leadership" embodied the enduring legacy the award represents.
Leach revolutionized offensive football through his development of the air raid system, transforming passing attacks across college football during his head coaching tenures at Texas Tech University, Washington State University and Mississippi State University. His innovative approach produced record-breaking offenses and reshaped how the game is played, with his teams posting a combined 158-106 record and winning 18 games over AP-ranked teams while unranked themselves - the most such victories since the AP poll began in 1998.
The timing of this honor carries particular significance as both Coach Bryant and Coach Leach died from heart attacks, bringing attention to cardiovascular health issues. The American Heart Association, described as "a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere," uses the Bear Bryant Awards to raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. Fans can follow award progress at https://facebook.com/bryantawards or https://x.com/bryantawards using the hashtag #BryantAwards.
Sharon Leach, the coach's widow, will accept the award on her husband's behalf during the ceremony scheduled for January 21, 2026, in Houston. "Our family is truly honored that Mike will be receiving the Heart of a Champion award," she stated, expressing gratitude for the recognition of her husband's contributions to college football.
Leach joins an esteemed group of previous Heart of a Champion recipients including Mark Richt (2025), Olivia and Archie Manning (2024), Mark Dantonio (2023), David Shaw (2022), Sylvester Croom (2021) and Lee Corso (2020). His coaching legacy includes developing two NFL draft picks at quarterback - Tim Couch, selected first overall in 1999, and current Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. 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 represents one of five honors presented annually during the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards Ceremony presented by Memorial Hermann Health System, which will air on CBS Sports Network. This year's ceremony will also feature legendary former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award, along with presentations for Fan Favorite, Newcomer Coach of the Year, and the 2025 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year.
