A new online rumor is claiming former college football coach Mike Leach once had to be talked out of using a “little person” in his backfield who would be thrown over the line of scrimmage in short-yardage situations.
Leach, a legendary NCAA coach whose claim to fame was his innovative “Air Raid” offense, which revolutionized football, had an extensive career that saw him take charge of programs at schools such as Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State.
A two-time National Coach of the Year and three-time Conference Coach of the Year, Leach was also famous for his unorthodox systems and forthright personality.
As rumor would have it, one such strategy would have seen a very small player line up in the backfield and then get thrown over the line of scrimmage whenever a few yards were needed. Unfortunately, someone talked him out of it.
Damn, we miss Mike Leach. 🏴☠️🥹 pic.twitter.com/7QsH10sORa
— College Sports Only 🏈 🏀 ⚾️ (@CollegeSportsO) April 15, 2025
Whether the move would have been legal is up for debate. But technically, he should have been able to employ such a tactic without violating NCAA rules.
Social Media Had Plenty To Say About New Mike Leach Rumor
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Fans on social media were expectedly curious about this and how it might work or be countered.
“What happens if you intercept the midget before it lands?” someone asked.
What happens if you intercept the midget before it lands
— Dinger (@dingerthefrog) April 16, 2025
“This brings a whole new meaning to 3rd and Short,” another quipped.
This brings a whole new meaning to 3rd and Short.
— CTESPN Utah (@Ctespn_Utah) April 16, 2025
“Can you imagine the spectacle of the other team STOPPING this play with a counter toss?” wrote a third.
Can you imagine the spectacle of the other team STOPPING this play with a counter toss?
— Kris Kringle (@Kringle_Klaus) April 17, 2025
“If the tush push gets banned, Philly can run the tush toss,” someone suggested.
If the tush push gets banned, Philly can run the tush toss
— Manny the Manatee (@big_mgc) April 17, 2025
Sadly, we’ll never know how this would have worked, as Leach passed away from a heart condition in December 2022. But who knows? Maybe this will give some coaches ideas.
Also Read: Mike Leach Caught Taking Pictures With Fans As His Team Brawled On The Field (VIDEO)
