William C. Gorden (June 30, 1930 – October 23, 2020) was an American college football player and coach. He served as the head coach at Jackson State University from 1976 to 1991, compiling a record of 119–48–5. Gorden joined the Jackson State football staff as an assistant coach in 1966. He was named interim head coach during the 1976 season after the firing of Robert Hill.[1] His appointment as head coach was made permanent following the 1976 season.[2] Gorden was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a coach in 2008. He was an alumnus of Tennessee State University.
| Biographical details | |
|---|---|
| Born | June 30, 1930 Nashville, Tennessee, U.S. |
| Died | October 23, 2020 (aged 90) |
| Playing career | |
| Football | |
| 1948–1952 | Tennessee State |
| Coaching career (HC unless noted) | |
| Football | |
| 1966–1976 | Jackson State (assistant) |
| 1976–1991 | Jackson State |
| Baseball | |
| 1971–1972 | Jackson State |
| Head coaching record | |
| Overall | 119–48–5 (football) |
| Tournaments | Football 0–9 (NCAA D-I-AA playoffs) |
| Accomplishments and honors | |
| Championships | |
| Football 8 SWAC (1980–1982, 1985–1988, 1990) | |
| College Football Hall of Fame Inducted in 2008 (profile) | |
Gorden died October 23, 2020, at the age of 90.[3]
Head coaching record edit
Football edit
Notes edit
- ^ a b Robert Hill coached the first seven games of the 1976 season before he was fired. Gorden took over as interim head coach for the final two games. Jackson State finished 5–4 overall and 3–3 in Southwestern Athletic Conference play.
References edit
- ^ "Jackson State coach relieved of duties". The Greenwood Commonwealth. Greenwood, Mississippi. United Press International. October 31, 1976. p. 14. Retrieved October 12, 2021 – via Newspapers.com
.
- ^ "Jackson State grants Gorden regular post". The Pantagraph. Bloomington, Illinois. Associated Press. November 25, 1976. p. 38. Retrieved August 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com .
- ^ "Legendary JSU football coach W.C. Gorden dies at 90". Mississippi Clarion Ledger. Retrieved October 24, 2020.
