W. C. Gorden

W. C. Gorden
Biographical details
Born(1930-06-30)June 30, 1930
Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
DiedOctober 23, 2020(2020-10-23) (aged 90)
Playing career
Football
1948–1952Tennessee State
Coaching career (HC unless noted)
Football
1966–1976Jackson State (assistant)
1976–1991Jackson State
Baseball
1971–1972Jackson State
Head coaching record
Overall119–48–5 (football)
TournamentsFootball
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)

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.

Gorden died October 23, 2020, at the age of 90.[3]

  1. ^ "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 Open access icon.
  2. ^ "Jackson State grants Gorden regular post". The Pantagraph. Bloomington, Illinois. Associated Press. November 25, 1976. p. 38. Retrieved August 2, 2018 – via Newspapers.com Open access icon.
  3. ^ "Legendary JSU football coach W.C. Gorden dies at 90". Mississippi Clarion Ledger. Retrieved October 24, 2020.