Jacksonville, AL – Jacksonville State University and the Oxford community mourn the loss of football coaching legendary and Hall of Hall of Famer Bill Burgess, who passed aged 82 on Wednesday, early in the morning. Burgess was a legend for his outstanding coaching career, made profound influence on the Gamecocks football team and left a lasting impression in the life of many players.
Burgess was Head Coach of the Gamecocks for 12 seasons between 1985 to 1996, and transformed Jax State into a powerhouse in Division II football. His coaching expertise and leadership earned him many accolades as well as four conference championships and the ultimate success of the NCAA Division II National Championship.
“We offer our sincere condolences to the whole Burgess Family on behalf of the JSU Family in general. JSU Family,” expressed Jax State President Dr. Don Killingsworth. “Coach Burgess not only launched JSU to international recognition in football but also played a significant part in forming young men into great fathers, husbands and members of the community. We will remember him for his major contribution, and our prayers are for the Burgess family during this trying period.”
Burgess’s induction into the Gulf South Conference Hall of Fame is the latest addition to the impressive list distinctions, including acknowledgement as a member of 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 Sports Director Greg Seitz remarked, “He was among the top coaches to ever walk the sidelines and made the same influence on his players as any coach I’ve ever had the pleasure of meeting. His legacy extends far beyond the field as he was a remarkable person who left an impression on anyone lucky enough to meet him.”
In his time as a coach in the Gulf South Conference (GSC), Burgess led the Gamecocks to conference championships in 1988 1989, 1991 and 1992, which culminated with their very initial National Championship in 1992. His overall performance for the GSC included a dazzling of 79-22-4. He also won three GSC Coach of the Year awards in addition to the award of 1992 NCAA Division II National Coach of the Year award.
The impact of Burgess’s teaching was not limited to statistics. He coached 64 All-GSC players and Nine All-Americans throughout his GSC time. In the year 2010, JSU recognized his contribution by naming their football field, Burgess-Snow Field. an ode to his lasting legacy.
Formerly a player for Auburn and a teacher with a the ability to succeed in Woodlawn High School and Oxford High School prior to entering Jax State, Burgess’s influence extended far beyond the field. His determination to mold young athletes to be responsible and successful people gained him the esteem and respect of all of the community.
Plans for Burgess are not yet announced yet, however tributes from former players and their associates are expected to be poured into the public as they reflect over the death of an iconic coach legend.
In Memoriam – Bill Burgess (1941-2023)
