Major Shift in Hall of Fame Rules Makes Mike Leach, Jackie Sherrill Eligible for College Football’s Highest Honor
Two of college football’s most influential—and long-debated—figures are now eligible for the sport’s ultimate recognition. On Thursday, the National Football Foundation (NFF) announced a significant revision to its eligibility criteria for the College Football Hall of Fame, opening the door for legendary coaches Mike Leach and Jackie Sherrill to be considered for enshrinement.
The rule change comes as part of a broader effort by the NFF to modernize the selection process and acknowledge impactful figures who previously fell outside the Hall’s strict qualifications. Specifically, the new criteria eliminate the requirement that coaches must have a .600 career winning percentage to be eligible—a standard that had long excluded Mike Leach despite his profound influence on the game.
The Leach Legacy
Leach, who passed away in 2022, is widely regarded as one of the most innovative minds in football history. His “Air Raid” offense revolutionized the passing game at every level of the sport, and his coaching tree includes numerous current FBS head coaches. Leach led programs at Texas Tech, Washington State, and Mississippi State, compiling a career record of 158–107 (.596), just shy of the former eligibility threshold.
Though he never coached at a perennial powerhouse, Leach built winners in traditionally difficult environments—most notably at Washington State, where he led the Cougars to their first 11-win season in over a century. More than wins, however, Leach left behind a philosophical and strategic imprint that reshaped how offense is taught and played.
With the rule now adjusted, many in the college football community believe his Hall of Fame induction is not only possible, but inevitable.
Sherrill’s Storied Path
Jackie Sherrill, meanwhile, has been one of college football’s more polarizing figures. The former head coach at Pitt, Texas A&M, and Mississippi State, Sherrill notched 180 career victories and three straight Southwest Conference titles with the Aggies in the mid-1980s. He was a trailblazer in recruiting and facilities development, helping elevate Texas A&M to national relevance.
Despite controversy during his career—including NCAA investigations and suspensions—Sherrill’s impact is undeniable. His teams were known for their toughness, and he played a crucial role in shaping the modern SEC during his time at Mississippi State. Until now, his .597 career winning percentage left him just below the old cutoff for Hall of Fame consideration.
A Welcome Change
The NFF’s decision to adjust the criteria reflects a broader shift in how coaching legacies are evaluated—considering not just wins and losses, but lasting influence, innovation, and program-building. Both Leach and Sherrill meet those marks.
“This change allows us to honor individuals whose contributions to the game transcend traditional metrics,” said NFF President Steve Hatchell. “It’s about recognizing impact as much as achievement.”
What’s Next?
Leach and Sherrill are now officially eligible for induction beginning with the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame class, which will be announced early next year. While the final vote lies with the selection committee, this rule change marks a long-awaited opportunity to give two coaching pioneers the recognition many believe they’ve long deserved.
