![mike leach](https://cdn.statically.io/img/imagez.tmz.com/image/09/4by3/2022/12/16/09a2f6fdcb0e4c1c9b0157be947b2790_md.jpg)
Despite having no ties to Mike Leach, the Miami Redhawks are still paying homage to the late coach in an awesome way -- putting huge decals featuring crossbones on the backs of their helmets on Friday.
The school unveiled the tribute at the Bahamas Bowl against the UAB Blazers ... showing off a big, black sticker that has Leach's name on it with a pirate-themed MAC logo.
![mike leach](https://cdn.statically.io/img/imagez.tmz.com/image/75/4by3/2022/12/16/75440c6577934282aaa2f63c97c1807e_md.jpg)
Leach, of course, was nicknamed "The Pirate" due to his obsession with sea robbers ... and on the Miami decal, they added another tribute to that by putting the hashtag "#FlyTheFlag" at the bottom.
The ode is particularly meaningful considering Leach never coached at Miami -- nor in the MAC ... which shows just how far his coaching genius reached during his life.
![Remembering Mike Leach](https://cdn.statically.io/img/imagez.tmz.com/image/65/4by3/2022/12/13/65313f6f2b514b839c8f543ff83cabc3_md.jpg)
As we previously reported, the former Mississippi State football head coach died on Monday ... due to complications from a heart condition.
He was just 61 years old.
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