Mars Hill University mourns passing of Claude "Hoot" Gibson
Coach Gibson served as head football coach from 1973–82, compiling a remarkable 56–36–3 overall record.
MARS HILL, N.C. - Mars Hill University mourns the passing of Claude "Hoot" Gibson, a legendary MHU Lions football coach, and member of the Mars Hill Athletics Hall of Fame (Class of 2016).
Coach Gibson served as head football coach from 1973–82, compiling a remarkable 56–36–3 overall record, the second-most wins in program history. Under his leadership, the Lions captured the 1980 South Atlantic Conference (SAC) Championship, finished runner-up in the SAC in 1977 and 1979, and made the program's first-ever playoff appearance. His teams reached national prominence, climbing as high as sixth in the nation in 1980.
His excellence on the sidelines earned numerous honors, including SAC Football Co-Coach of the Year, NAIA District Coach of the Year, and American Football Coaches Association Kodak Coach of the Year for District III. He was also inducted into the Western North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame in 1981.
A standout player before his coaching career, Gibson played collegiately at NC State, appeared in multiple all-star games, and was drafted by both the Chicago Bears and San Diego Chargers, beginning his professional career with the Chargers in 1961 before being traded to the Oakland Raiders. He set multiple records for punt return yardage and touchdowns and later coached at NC State, the Buffalo Bills, and Tulsa.
We will remember Coach Gibson's impact on Mars Hill University, its football program, and all who knew him, with prayers for his loved one and friends.
