Ex-Kansas State coach Bill Snyder’s slammed for erroneously tweeting about Mike Leach’s heart attack

Legendary former Kansas State coach Bill Snyder has been criticized on social media for wrongfully tweeting about the death of Mississippi State head coach Mike Leach, who remains in critical condition after suffering a heart attack on Sunday.

‘Truly saddened by the death of a good friend and special man. Mike Leach will always remain special in my heart and the heart of many,’ tweeted the College Hall of Famer on Monday night. ‘Not only a unique and talented coach, but one who taught life lessons to so many young men whose lives he changed for the better. Rest In Peace.’ 

A little more than a quarter-of-an-hour after sharing his condolences online, the 83-year-old came quick to share: ‘I’m now told that Mike has not passed. Brings warmth to my heart. And I apologize deeply for my premature tweet. Please forgive me and continue your prayers for Mike and his family.’ 

AWKWARD: Ex-Kansas State football coach tweeted his condolences online after the spread of false information on Mike Leach condition. The Mississippi State is in critical condition but still remains alive after suffering from a heart attack on Sunday

Bill Snyder won two Big 12-championships with Kansas State, whom he coached between 1989 and 2005 and from 2009 until 2018

Leach was further hospitalized while remaining in critical condition on Monday, the day after what the university called ‘a personal health issue’ at his home in Starkville forced him to be airlifted to a medical facility in Jackson.

Leach was admitted Sunday to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) from the Mississippi State campus. 

UMMC spokesman Marc Rolph said that Leach, 61, had been initially treated at the Oktibbeha County Hospital in Starkville, the university said. 

‘Mike’s family is with him and appreciates the overwhelming expressions of love and support for the coach, but also requests that their family’s privacy be respected at this time,’ the school said on Monday. 

Leach is in his third season at Mississippi State, with a 19-17 overall record. He acknowledged having a bout with pneumonia late in the season that was causing a persistent cough, but it was unclear whether his recent illness was related to his hospitalization. 

Messages of concern and support for Leach poured over social media from former players, and colleagues and rivals across college football. 

‘Our thoughts and prayers are with Mike Leach, his wife Sharon, their family and the doctors treating him,’ Alabama coach Nick Saban said in a statement. ‘Mike’s infectious personality and passion for the game have impacted the sport in so many positive ways during his career.’ 

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.

Defensive coordinator Zach Arnett has been placed in charge of the football team by Mississippi State President Mark Keenum and interim athletic director Bracky Brett as it prepares for an appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl against Illinois on Jan. 2 in Tampa, Florida.