The Iconic Mississippi State Pirate Hat's History and Coach Mike Leach's Legacy

The History of the Mississippi State Pirate Hat

The Mississippi State pirate hat has become an iconic symbol of the university's football team identity. It started in 2011 when head coach Mike Leach was hired by Mississippi State. Coach Leach had a well-known obsession with pirates and brought that theme to the Bulldogs football program.

Leach wore a pirate hat on the sidelines and encouraged fans to embrace the pirate theme. It gave the team a unique identity that resonated with players and fans. By 2012, Mississippi State fans were wearing pirate hats to home games regularly.

The pirate hat craze reached new heights in 2014 when Mississippi State climbed to #1 in the college football playoff rankings for the first time in history. ESPN's College Gameday came to Starkville and thousands of fans greeted them wearing pirate hats.

From that point on, the pirate hat became synonymous with Mississippi State football. Fans wore elaborate, decorated pirate hats as a badge of honor. The university even gave out branded pirate hats to boosters and season ticket holders.

Coach Mike Leach's Pirate Obsession

Mike Leach had a long fascination with pirates before coming to Mississippi State. He often told stories of how he admired the leadership style of historic pirates like Blackbeard and Calico Jack.

Leach identified with the independent, rebellious spirit of pirate life. He liked that pirates questioned and challenged authority. He brought that same maverick mentality to his coaching style.

At Mississippi State, Coach Leach fully embraced the pirate lifestyle. He decorated his office like a pirate ship, complete with a treasure chest, sword, and maps. He also had a large pirate flag prominently displayed.

Leach rode onto the field in a pirate ship entrance before home games. His press conferences often referenced pirate history and lore. Being a pirate was about being aggressive and attacking each day, which Leach wanted for his program.

Pirate References in Football Games

Under Coach Leach, Mississippi State football games were filled with pirate references. Players wore pirate decals on their helmets. Fan giveaways included pirate flags and eye patches.

The pre-game video board introduction showed Leach and players sword fighting and firing cannons. In-game highlights used pirate terms like "broadside" and "cannon fire" to describe big plays.

Coach Leach encouraged fans to embrace the theme through costumes and banners. Mississippi State's mascot, a live bulldog named Bully, even wore a pirate hat on the sidelines.

Mike Leach's Legacy

Mike Leach's legacy at Mississippi State will always be tied to his pirate fascination. He passed away suddenly in December 2022, but left an indelible mark on the program.

The 2022 Egg Bowl game against Ole Miss saw fans honor Coach Leach by wearing pirate hats. It was a fitting tribute to the coach who did things his own unique way.

The pirate identity means more than just a costume for Bulldog fans. It symbolizes the renegade spirit and fearless attitude that Mike Leach brought to Mississippi State football.

Each new recruit and player will learn about the pirate lore that made Coach Leach successful. The Mississippi State pirate hat is more than a hat - it's a symbol of a coach and program unlike any other.

Famous Mississippi State Pirate Hats

With pirate hats being so synonymous with Mississippi State football, many fans have created elaborate, custom designs. Here are some of the most famous pirate hats worn by Bulldog supporters.

The Original Leach Headset Hat

One of the first homemade pirate hats came from a fan who built a large pirate hat replica of the headset Coach Leach wore during games. It perfectly captured Leach's pirate spirit.

The Battleship Pirate Hat

A massive pirate hat that looked like a floating pirate battleship became a staple at tailgates. It included cannons that actually fired smoke rings and had characters lined up on deck.

The Animated Pirate Hat

A fan created a large pirate hat with animated lights, moving parts, and audio clips from Coach Leach's famous rants. It was programmable to interact with the crowd during games.

The Giant Inflatable Pirate Hat

What's more visible than an 8-foot-tall inflatable pirate hat? This creation towered over tailgaters and could be spotted anywhere near the stadium.

The Leach Face Hat

Using a custom image of Coach Leach's face, a student created a wearable pirate hat with Leach's stern visage on the front. It looked like the coach was staring out from the brim.

Mississippi State fans continue to embrace the pirate lifestyle that Coach Mike Leach brought to the program. The pirate hat tradition connects new generations of Bulldog supporters to the storied history and identity Leach established.

Mike Leach Pirate Video Tributes

After Mike Leach's sudden passing in 2022, many fans created video tributes featuring Coach Leach's famous pirate moments and quotes. Here are some of the best pirate-themed videos honoring Mike Leach.

Every Coach Mike Leach Pirate Reference

Splicing together clips from press conferences and interviews, one video compiled all of Mike Leach's most memorable pirate analogies and anecdotes. It serves as a compilation of Leach's pirate wisdom.

Mike Leach Career Tribute - The Pirate's Life

Set to melodic pirate music, this video shows Coach Leach's pirate ship, sword, and flag alongside highlights from his coaching career. It captures his pirate spirit.

Remembering Mike Leach - The Pirate

Featuring fan-submitted photos and videos in pirate gear, this tribute remembers Coach Leach's legacy of bringing piratical flair to Mississippi State.

Mike Leach's Best Moments as a Pirate

From wearing full pirate regalia to swashbuckling onto the field, this video shows coach Leach embracing the pirate lifestyle over his career in a fun, upbeat tribute.

These fan-made videos celebrate Mike Leach's legacy as college football's most famous pirate. They compile his best moments and pay tribute to the joy he brought as a truly original character.

The Future of the Pirate Hat at Mississippi State

Even after Mike Leach's passing, the pirate hat lives on at Mississippi State. It has become ingrained as a symbol of the football program's identity.

The new head coach will have the choice whether to continue the tradition. Most fans believe the pirate theme is here to stay due to its popularity among players and supporters.

Future versions of the pirate hat may evolve and take on new designs or styles. But the pirate spirit will always connect back to Coach Mike Leach and his legacy.

The 2022 Egg Bowl saw students and fans wearing Leach tribute pirate hats, proving the trend still resonates. Traditions are passed down, and each recruiting class learns about the Bulldogs' pirate history.

Mike Leach brought a one-of-a-kind personality and approach to Mississippi State football. The iconic pirate hat lets fans celebrate that legacy for years to come and remember the coach who will forever be linked to pirates.

FAQs

When did the Mississippi State pirate hat tradition start?

The pirate hat craze began when Mike Leach was hired as head coach in 2011. He brought a pirate theme to the program that fans embraced by 2012.

Where did Coach Mike Leach's pirate obsession come from?

Leach had long admired the independent spirit of historic pirates. He identified with their rebellious attitude and brought that approach to his coaching.

How did Coach Leach incorporate a pirate theme into games?

Mississippi State games under Leach featured pirate videos, player helmets with pirate decals, and highlights used pirate terms like "cannon fire."

What are some famous Mississippi State pirate hats?

Notable pirate hats include a large inflatable hat, a functional pirate battleship hat, and some with Coach Leach's face.

Will Mississippi State continue the pirate tradition?

The pirate identity seems here to stay due to its popularity among fans. It connects back to Mike Leach's unique legacy.