Gary Goff, who led Valdosta State to the 2021 NCAA Division II championship game, has been named the 26th head football coach at the University of Arkansas at Monticello, the school announced Thursday.
Goff was formally introduced during a morning press conference on the UAM campus. Athletic Director Hud Jackson said Goff’s experience and leadership made him the clear choice to guide the Boll Weevils.
“We are really excited about the selection of Gary Goff as our 26th head football coach,” Jackson said. “He comes to us with valuable experience and understands the importance of community, culture and academics.”
Goff joins UAM from McNeese State, where he served as head coach from 2022 to 2024 and compiled a 10–23 overall record. During his tenure, he coached All-American linebacker Micah Davey and helped produce the Southland Conference Offensive Player of the Year in running back Deonta McMahon. McNeese also led the league in rushing in 2022, 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 beyond thrilled to work alongside an administration that is supportive and actively building toward future success.”
Before McNeese, Goff made a national impact at Valdosta State, guiding the Blazers to back-to-back Gulf South Conference titles and a national championship appearance in 2021. That season, Valdosta State led Division II in total offense and ranked among the nation’s best in rushing, passing and scoring. His teams averaged 43.2 points per game and allowed just 22.7.
Goff coached three D2CCA All-Americans in 2021 and earned Gulf South Conference Co-Coach of the Year honors in 2019 after leading the Blazers to a 10–1 season and No. 1 national ranking.
Prior to Valdosta State, Goff spent eight seasons as head coach at Tiffin University, where he engineered one of Division II’s top rebuilding efforts. After inheriting a program that had gone 2–31 over the previous three seasons, Goff led Tiffin to winning records in 2016 and 2018, including a 9–2 campaign and a No. 15 national ranking.
His earlier coaching career included offensive coordinator roles at West Virginia Wesleyan, New Mexico State, Princeton and multiple other programs. As a player, Goff competed for Hal Mumme and Mike Leach at Valdosta State, helping the Blazers win a Gulf South Conference title and reach two NCAA playoff appearances.
UAM Chancellor Peggy Doss said Goff’s record of developing student-athletes stood out.
“Coach Goff brings exceptional leadership, integrity and competitive success,” Doss said. “His commitment to student-centered programs aligns perfectly with the mission of UAM. We are confident he will elevate our football program and inspire our campus community.”
Goff, a native of Picayune, Mississippi, holds degrees from Valdosta State and Tiffin. He and his wife, Tiffanie, have two children, Tyler and Audrey.
