Mike Leach eligible for CFB Hall of Fame after criteria adjusted

Late Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach will soon be eligible for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame.

The National Football Foundation announced Thursday that coaches with a career winning percentage of .595 or higher will now be considered for enshrinement, beginning with the Class of 2027. Leach's .596 win percentage fell short of the Hall of Fame's previous minimum of .600.

All other requirements, including a service of 10 years minimum as a head coach, remain unchanged, per the NFF.

Leach posted a 158-107 record over 21 seasons at Texas Tech (2000-09), Washington State (2012-19), and Mississippi State (2020-22).

Leach, 61, unexpectedly died on Dec. 22, 2022. Belovedly referred to as "The Pirate," he's credited with constructing one of the most prolific versions of the Air Raid offense at the collegiate level.

Les Miles and Jackie Sherrill are other former coaches that'll become eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame following the new eligibility rules.