TCU players to pay unique tribute to Mike Leach during CFP

Mike Leach Barbara Gauntt/Clarion Ledger / USA TODAY NETWORK

TCU players will wear Mike Leach pirate stickers during CFP semifinal game

By Adam Gretz | Last updated 12/30/22

TCU football players will wear special Mike Leach themed Pirate stickers on their helmets during Saturday's College Football Playoff semifinal game against Michigan.

Head coach Sonny Dykes made the announcement on Friday, saying his team will pay tribute to the long-time college coach. Leach died suddenly earlier this month after one of the most unique, iconic, and game-changing careers in modern college football.

Several teams have paid tribute to Leach during the Bowl season with similar gestures. Leach was known to always have a fascination with Pirates and had a way of working them into his press conferences and philosophies. He even wrote a book titled "Swing Your Sword."

Dykes and TCU, however, have extra motivation to pay tribute to Leach given that Dykes comes directly from his coaching tree.

Dykes worked for Leach for several years as an assistant coach at Texas Tech, serving as wide receivers coach and co-offensive coordinator between the 2000 and 2006 seasons.

TCU's Sonny Dykes said he will reflect about his mentor Mike Leach before @FiestaBowl. "A big part of my feelings pre-game will be about Mike, the impact he had on my life. I wouldn't be here w/out him." TCU will honor Leach w/a pirate flag helmet sticker
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) December 30, 2022