KILGORE — Fresh off a 28-0 win over Pima Community College, Kilgore College head football coach J.J. Eckert is taking his talents about 300 miles north.
Eckert has accepted an offer to become the head next football coach at Northeastern State University in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, according to Kilgore College officials.
NSU is expected to officially announce Eckert’s hiring later this week.
The NSU RiverHawks, who went 0-11 in 2018, compete at the NCAA Division II level as a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association (MIAA).
“In order to ensure support for KC’s student athletes and in light of the end of the semester that occurs this week, assistant coach Willie Gooden has agreed to serve as interim head coach,” said Kilgore College president Dr. Brenda Kays. “The KC Board of Trustees and administration thank J.J. Eckert for his leadership and commitment to KC and the Rangers football program.”
Eckert has served as head coach at KC since 2007, compiling a record of 67-49 with five bowl appearances (2007, 2012, 2015, 2016 and 2018) and SWJCFC championships in 2015 and 2018.
He was also the offensive coordinator for the Rangers from 2001-2004 where he was a part of KC's 2001 and 2004 SWJCFC Championship teams.
Prior to serving as head coach at KC, Eckert was head coach at Garden City Community College (Kansas) for the 2005 and 2006 seasons.
