Football | 4/18/2024 3:00:00 PM

ITTA BENA, MS -  It is with heavy hearts that we share legendary Coach Archie "Gunslinger" Cooley Jr. has passed, his family announced on Thursday. He was 84.
 
"Coach Cooley's innovative coaching strategies and his ability to develop talent not only transformed Mississippi Valley State's football program but left an indelible mark on the sport itself," said MVSU Athletic Director Hakim McClellan.
 
"Legends like Coach Cooley never truly leave us; their spirit lives on in the game they loved and the players they inspired."
 
Coach Cooley was the head football coach at Mississippi Valley State from 1980-1987.
 
Coach Cooley slated the nickname "Gunslinger" for inventing the "Air Satellite" offense emphasizing the passing game with Willie "Satellite" Totten at quarterback and Rice at receiver, setting dozens of NCAA records.
 
Cooley completely revitalized the football program at MVSU.
 
"He is a legend who had an incredible impact on the game of football and how it is played offensively. He was an innovative mind in football, and what he created at Valley during his time is still being implemented on football fields to this day on every level. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family," said Dr. Jerryl Briggs, MVSU President.
 
While at MVSU Coach Cooley coached household name players such as Jerry Rice, Willie Totten, and Vincent Brown to name a few.
 
Rice went on to become a first-round draft pick of the San Francisco 49ers, the NFL's most prolific wide receiver and a Hall of Famer. Totten threw 58 touchdown passes in 1984 and the Delta Devils averaged 60.9 points, a record for Division I-AA/FCS that still exists. Brown went on to become a second-round draft pick of the New England Patriots, and went on to become a NFL All-Pro.
 
In 2007, Coach Cooley was inducted into the MVSU and SWAC Hall of Fame. 
 
In 2017, the MVSU football program's headquarters was named Archie Cooley Jr. Devils Den in honor of Archie "Gunslinger" Cooley Jr. The headquarters includes the team's locker room, a conference/meeting room, laundry and equipment facilities, a healthy snack bar, athletic training room, coaches' offices and the Ashley Ambrose lounge for players to study or relax.
 
As news of Coach Cooley's passing spread, tributes poured in from far and wide.
 
"We lost a legend, Archie the "Gunslinger" Cooley. He was a great friend, coach, mentor, and father figure, just like Bill Walsh. His impact on HBCU and MVSU football was huge, and he was an offensive genius. His legacy will live on forever. Love you Coach Cooley, RIP." Jerry Rice wrote via X.
 
"Coach Cooley will always be my hero! RIP." Willie "Satellite" Totten wrote via X.
 
Funeral arrangements are pending and will be shared as the family releases them. 
 
Please keep the Cooley family in your thoughts and prayers.

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