The American Heart Association will posthumously honor Mike Leach, one of college football's most innovative coaches, with the 2026 Paul "Bear" Bryant Heart of a Champion Award. Leach, who died in December 2022 at age 61 from a heart attack, will be recognized for his exceptional contributions to the sport and the communities he served throughout his coaching career. The award presentation by Houston-based St. Luke's Health celebrates individuals whose positive influence has helped define the sports experience while embodying the characteristics Coach Bryant was known for: integrity, perseverance, determination and grit.
Nancy Brown, American Heart Association chief executive officer, emphasized that "Coach Leach's impact transcended the game he loved. He inspired generations with his innovative spirit, authenticity and fearless leadership - qualities that embody the enduring legacy of Coach Paul 'Bear' Bryant and the American Heart Association." The organization presents the Bear Bryant Awards annually to celebrate coaching excellence, honor Coach Bryant's legacy, and raise awareness and critical funds for its mission. Coach Bryant himself died from a heart attack in 1983, just 28 days after his final victory and retirement.
Leach revolutionized offensive football through his development of the air raid system, transforming passing attacks across college football. He fine-tuned this offensive approach during his head coaching tenures at Texas Tech University, Washington State University and Mississippi State University, where his teams consistently produced record-breaking offenses and thrilling performances. His coaching record of 158-106 included 18 victories over AP-ranked teams while his own team was unranked - the most such wins since the AP poll began in 1998.
The significance of this honor extends beyond football recognition. The American Heart Association uses these awards to raise awareness about cardiovascular health, a critical issue given that heart disease remains a leading cause of death. The timing is particularly poignant as Leach's own death resulted from a heart condition, highlighting the importance of the organization's mission. Fans can follow the Paul "Bear" Bryant Awards and track progress of the awards at https://facebook.com/bryantawards or https://x.com/bryantawards using the hashtag #BryantAwards.
Leach's widow, Sharon, 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 said. "We're grateful to the American Heart Association and the Bear Bryant Awards for this recognition of Mike's contribution to college football." The Leach family's participation brings personal dimension to an award that celebrates both professional achievement and human character.
Previous recipients of the Heart of a Champion Award include Mark Richt (2025), Olivia and Archie Manning (2024), Mark Dantonio (2023), David Shaw (2022), Sylvester Croom (2021) and Lee Corso (2020), placing Leach among the most respected figures in college football history. His legacy includes developing two NFL quarterbacks - Tim Couch, who was selected first overall in the 1999 draft, 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 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 honor legendary former Tennessee coach Phillip Fulmer with 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. The event serves dual purposes of celebrating coaching excellence while supporting the American Heart Association's vital work in cardiovascular health research and education. Additional information about the American Heart Association's mission and resources can be found at https://heart.org.
