McNeese's Football Journey Takes a Turn with Coach Goff's Departure

2021 - 2024: Gary Goff's Tenure at McNeese

In December 2021, McNeese made a big hire by bringing in Gary Goff as the 18th head coach in program history. Just a day later, he was introduced to the team and fans. His first game as head coach was a tough 40 - 17 loss at Montana State on September 3rd, 2022. But things started to look up when he got his first win at home against Mississippi College with a score of 32 - 17 on September 24th. However, the following seasons didn't go as smoothly. In 2022, the team had a 4 - 7 overall record and a 2 - 4 mark against Southland Conference opponents. In 2023, it was an even tougher 1 - 10 overall and 1 - 6 against conference opponents, with the lone win coming via a Northwestern State forfeit. The 2024 season saw some improvement, with a 6 - 6 overall record and a 3 - 4 mark against Southland Conference opponents. But it still ended with a heartbreaking 26 - 24 loss to Lamar on November 23rd, marking his final game as head coach.

During his three years as head coach, Goff's overall record was 11 - 23, and his Southland Conference record was 6 - 14. He is the fourth consecutive McNeese head coach to hold the title for three seasons or less, following Frank Wilson (two seasons), Sterlin Gilbert (one season), and Lance Guidry (three seasons from 2016 - 2018). The Cowboys finished the 2024 season in a tie for fifth place in the Southland Conference after finishing in seventh in 2023 and sixth in 2022.

The Aftermath and Search for a New Coach

The decision to part ways with Goff was not an easy one, but the Cowboys are now ready to move forward. They will begin the search for a new head coach immediately to lead the team into the 2025 football season and beyond. This is an important time for the program as they look to build on the recent improvements and strive for greater success in the future.

McNeese fans are hopeful that the new coach will bring a fresh perspective and the leadership needed to take the team to the next level. With the search underway, the future of McNeese football is once again filled with excitement and anticipation.