Gazzolo Column: A finale with some intrigue
Gary Goff couldn’t believe he was coaching for his job on Saturday night.
Others may not be so sure.
No matter what happens, for the McNeese State head football coach, it’s been that way all season long.
After going 1-10 last year, Goff’s seat was hot. Every play is questioned, every play is reviewed and every move is debated.
Fair or not, that’s where we are.
Now, at 6-5 and a chance for its first winning season since 2019, the moment in question has arrived. Have Goff and his staff done enough to warrant a fourth year or is it time to move on?
Heath Schroyer, the athletic director who brought Goff to town three years ago, will make that decision.
“It hasn’t crossed my mind,” Goff said when asked if Saturday’s game against rival Lamar could be the Cowboys’ last on the sideline.
“I think we have done a good job. I’m quite proud of this team and staff. I think we have made a lot of progress and are on the right track.”
The Cowboys could finish third in the Southland Conference with a win against the Cardinals just one season after their only win came by way of a loss. So there has been progress, but there are still many questions that point in the opposite direction.
The main thing is with all the talk about possible changes, which players and coaches are willing to put up with another year of such gossip. It is also important that decisions are made quickly as this is a critical time for recruiting.
True to his word, Schroyer declined to talk about Goff’s future and stated only that all coaches and programs are reviewed after each season. The two are expected to meet before Thanksgiving.
Goff has one year left on his contract and will make about $265,000 next season. That’s a healthy buy for a program like McNeese. There are fifth season options out there, but they are unlikely to be taken up at this time.
According to sources, Goff was given a certain number of wins his Cowboys must achieve this season in order to maintain. Whether that number is six or seven is always a question.
With the drama that has surrounded this program over the past decade, it seems fitting that we are sitting right at that number with one game remaining. Right now it’s a lot like McNeese.
To his credit, Goff has said all season that he wants himself, his coaches and his players to not worry about the noise and focus on the game and getting better.
“I don’t want it to take away from the fun of coaching and playing,” Goff said. “That’s not fair to anyone.”
He also stated he wants to remain as head coach of the Cowboys and has no plans to leave.
“We really like Lake Charles,” Goff said. “I hope to coach here for a long time. I knew I would be coaching somewhere for a long time.”
Whether it will be here or somewhere else may or may not happen on Saturday night, depending on who you listen to.
Whatever happens, there are some areas that still need to be cleaned up if the Cowboys want to take another big leap next year and become a true contender.
And some of the fences need repair.
Jim Gazzolo is a freelance sports writer covering McNeese State athletics for the American Press. He can be contacted at [email protected]
