Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University and the Oxford community mourn the loss of coaching legend and Hall of Famer Bill Burgess, who passed away at the age of 82 early Wednesday morning. Burgess, renowned for his remarkable coaching career, had a profound impact on the Gamecocks’ football program and left an indelible mark on the lives of countless players.
Burgess served as the head coach of the Gamecocks for 12 seasons from 1985-96, transforming Jax State into a powerhouse in Division II football. His leadership and coaching acumen garnered him numerous accolades, including four conference titles and the crowning achievement of the 1992 NCAA Division II National Championship.
“We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Burgess Family on behalf of the entire JSU Family,” expressed Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth. “Coach Burgess not only launched JSU to national recognition in football but also played a crucial role in shaping young men into outstanding husbands, fathers, and community members. He will be remembered for his significant contributions, and our thoughts are with the Burgess family during this challenging time.”
Burgess’s recent induction into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame added to an impressive list of honors that includes recognition in the Jacksonville State Athletics Hall of Fame, Calhoun County Sports Hall of Fame, Alabama Sports Hall of Fame, and the NCAA Division II Football Hall of Fame.
JSU Athletics Director Greg Seitz remarked, “He was one of the best coaches to ever stand on a sideline and had as much of an impact on his players as any coach I’ve ever met. His legacy extends beyond the field, as he was an exceptional man who left a lasting impression on everyone fortunate enough to know him.”
During his tenure in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), Burgess led the Gamecocks to conference titles in 1988, 1989, 1991, and 1992, culminating in their first National Championship in 1992. His overall record in the GSC included an impressive 79-22-4, and he earned three GSC Coach of the Year titles along with the 1992 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year.
The impact of Burgess’s coaching extended well beyond statistics; he coached 64 All-GSC Players and Nine All-Americans during his GSC tenure. In 2010, JSU honored his contributions by naming its football field Burgess-Snow Field, a testament to his enduring legacy.
A former player at Auburn and a coach with a successful career at Woodlawn High School and Oxford High School before joining Jax State, Burgess’s influence reached far beyond the gridiron. His dedication to shaping young athletes into responsible and successful individuals earned him the respect and admiration of the entire community.
Arrangements for Burgess have not been announced at this time, but tributes from former players and associates are expected to pour in as the community reflects on the loss of a coaching icon.
In Memoriam – Bill Burgess (1941-2023)
