Monticello, Arkansas – The University of Arkansas-Monticello (UAM) has named Gary Goff as the 26th head football coach in the program’s history, a move aimed at strengthening the Warhawks’ football program on and off the field. The announcement came last week from UAM Athletics Director Hud Jackson, who praised Goff’s combination of experience, leadership, and commitment to student-athlete development.
“We are really excited about the selection of Gary Goff as our 26th head football coach here at UAM,” Jackson said. “He brings valuable experience that will help make UAM football competitive and understands the importance of community, culture and academics.”
Goff joins the Warhawks after a three-year tenure as head coach at McNeese State from 2022 to 2024. While at McNeese, he posted a 10-23 overall record and went 6-14 in Southland Conference play. Despite the team’s mixed results, Goff developed standout talent, including linebacker Micah Davey, who earned All-America honors from six organizations, including first-team recognition by the Walter Camp Football Foundation and the AFCA. Additionally, running back Deonta McMahon was named Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year during Goff’s first season, and McNeese ranked 19th nationally in rushing offense, averaging 200.5 yards per game.
“My family and I are very excited and grateful for the opportunity to lead UAM’s football program,” Goff said. “I am thrilled to work alongside an administration that is committed to building future success for UAM athletics.”
Prior to his time at McNeese, Goff made a significant impact at Valdosta State, where he led the Blazers from 2019 to 2021. Under his leadership, Valdosta State captured back-to-back Gulf South Conference championships and earned a berth in the NCAA Division II national title game in December 2021. Despite the cancellation of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Goff’s teams consistently posted high offensive numbers, including leading the NCAA in total offense in 2021 with 527.2 yards per game and averaging 43.2 points per contest while allowing just 22.7. The Blazers also produced three Division II Conference Commissioners Association All-Americans and 17 All-Gulf South Conference selections in that season.
Goff’s success at Valdosta State began in 2019, when he guided the Blazers to a 10-1 record, an 8-0 mark in league play, and a second-round appearance in the Division II playoffs. For his efforts, he was named Gulf South Conference co-coach of the year, establishing a reputation for leadership and offensive innovation.
UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss highlighted Goff’s experience and approach to leadership as key factors in his hiring. “Coach Goff brings an exceptional record of leadership, integrity, and competitive success,” Doss said. “His commitment to developing student-athletes on and off the field aligns perfectly with the mission and values of UAM.”
Goff’s coaching career also includes eight seasons as head coach at Tiffin University, where he led the Dragons to their first winning season in a decade in 2016 and a 9-2 record in 2018. He has held assistant coaching positions at West Virginia Wesleyan, Princeton, New Mexico State, Southeastern Louisiana, and Iowa Wesleyan, demonstrating a long-standing dedication to developing football programs at multiple levels.
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A native of Picayune, Mississippi, Goff played collegiately at Valdosta State under former head coach Hal Mumme and offensive coordinator Mike Leach. He earned both a bachelor’s degree from Valdosta State and a master’s degree from Tiffin, reflecting a commitment to both athletic and academic growth.
With Goff at the helm, the University of Arkansas-Monticello aims to build a competitive football program while maintaining a strong emphasis on academics, community engagement, and student-athlete development. Fans, alumni, and players alike are eager to see the new era of Warhawks football take shape under the leadership of their 26th head coach.
