Rule change makes Mike Leach eligible for Hall of Fame

A rule change announced on Thursday makes the late Mike Leach eligible for the College Football Hall of Fame.

The National Football Foundation dropped the minimum required winning percentage for coaches from .600 to .595, a change that goes into effect with the 2027 ballot.

Leach, who died on Dec. 12, 2022 at 61, compiled a .596 winning percentage (158-107 record) over 21 seasons at Texas Tech (2000-09), Washington State (2012-19) and Mississippi State (2020-22).

All other eligibility requirements for coaches remain unchanged, including minimums of 10 seasons and 100 games.

Coaches become eligible for consideration three full seasons after retirement or immediately following retirement if they are at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible upon reaching the age of 75.

"The NFF is committed to preserving the integrity and prestige of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame," NFF president and CEO Steve Hatchell said in a news release. "This adjustment reflects thoughtful dialog with leaders across the sport and allows us to better recognize coaches whose contributions to the game extend beyond a narrow statistical threshold."

Leach was named the Big 12 Coach of the Year in 2008 and the Pac-12 Coach of the Year in 2015 and 2018. He led his teams to 17 bowl games.

Leach passed away following complications related to a heart condition. Three weeks later, interim coach Zach Arnett guided Mississippi State to a 19-10 win against Illinois in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

--Field Level Media