Bio

If you’re looking for one of the most respected and proven head coaches in the state of Texas, look no further than Willie Gooden, Head Football Coach at Kilgore College. With 22 years of collegiate coaching experience and seven years as a head coach, Gooden has built a career defined by loyalty, championship success, and a comprehensive understanding of the game.

A former player turned program architect, Gooden began his coaching career at Northeastern State University in 2004 as a student assistant defensive line coach. He quickly elevated to graduate assistant before earning a full-time defensive line coaching position in 2006. In 2007, he returned to Kilgore College — where his own playing career began — and 19 years later, he remains one of the winningest coaches in program history.

Gooden’s rare perspective comes from having coached across the entire staff — offense and defense — and winning championships at every position he has held. His championship résumé includes:

• 2007 – Offensive Line Coach, Conference Champion
• 2012 – Defensive Line Coach & Defensive Coordinator, Co-Conference Champion
• 2015 – Offensive Line Coach & Offensive Coordinator, Conference Champion
• 2018 – Offensive Coordinator, Conference Champion & Hot Bowl Champion
• 2019 – Head Coach, Conference Champion
• 2022 – Head Coach, Conference Champion
• 2023 – Head Coach, Conference Champion & National Playoff Appearance

As Head Coach, Gooden has compiled an impressive record of 48–23, reinforcing Kilgore College’s status as a perennial contender in Texas junior college football.

Beyond on-field success, Gooden emphasizes character development, service, and community impact. In 2024, Kilgore College was honored with the Danny Palmer East Texas Team Service Award at the East Texas Kickoff Luncheon in Tyler — a prestigious recognition named for former Danny Palmer, whose teams historically exemplified service excellence. The event featured keynote speaker Greg Tepper, Managing Editor of Dave Campbell’s Texas Football, and was held at the W.T. Brookshire Conference Center. This award reflects Gooden’s commitment to developing not only championship athletes, but responsible young men who positively impact their communities.

As a player, Gooden’s leadership foundation was forged in the trenches. He was a starting center at Kilgore College in 2000–2001 (22 career starts) before transferring to Northeastern State, where he was a starting center and team captain in 2002–2003 (20 career starts). Every advancement in his coaching career has been earned through performance, preparation, and results.

Known for his old-school loyalty, work ethic, and commitment to program culture, Gooden has remained dedicated to the institutions that shaped him rather than pursuing outside opportunities. His leadership philosophy centers on accountability, development, and building championship infrastructure from the inside out.

Coach Gooden believes he can position any program for immediate competitive success with an experienced staff, deep regional knowledge, and a proven championship blueprint.