Legendary coach W.C. Gorden died peacefully yesterday at the grand age of 90.
Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2008, Coach Gorden is known for the transcendent success he had as the leader of the Jackson State football team where he won 8 SWAC championships.
In 15 seasons as head coach, Gorden only had one losing season. His teams averaged 8 wins vs 3 losses.
Four times under Gorden's leadership Jackson State went undefeated in SWAC play.
New head coach Deion Sanders shared the following words upon learning of Coach Gorden's passing:
Lord we lost a football GIANT and a pioneer of excellence. W.C. Gorden was a great leader, man, teacher, legendary coach and a true Game Changer that championed the cause for “building on tradition, blazing new trails.” Once deemed the “representative of all that is good about college football,” he set the standard while continuously raising the bar to a level that I pray we can one day attain, while striving to bring back the rich tradition “dominance and prominence” he established at JSU. Our thoughts and prayers to all of those that were impacted by his presence and extraordinary gift of football. God speed to his family, friends and loved ones that were blessed to have experienced this LEGEND of the football sidelines. God bless.
Please join us in praying for the repose of the soul of Coach Gorden, and for his friends and family during this time.
Rest in peace, Coach.