June 3, 2002
Cullowhee, N.C. - Western Carolina head coach Kent Briggs announced Cary Godette has joined his staff as assistant head coach. Godette, who spent the last two seasons at North Carolina State, will also coach the defensive line. He replaces former WCU defensive line coach Ricky Logo, who accepted a similar position at NCAA I-A Troy State this past month.
"Cary is an outstanding addition to our staff," Briggs said. "He has tremendous experience on both the collegiate and professional levels. He brings so much to our players and staff. His addition will truly make us a better football program."
Godette helped the Wolfpack earn a 2002 Tangerine Bowl bid. Under his direction this past season, Corey Smith was an All-Atlantic Coast Conference pick after ranking third in the league in sacks and leading the ACC in fumbles caused. Godette was also on staff with the Wolfpack from 1994-95 coaching the outside linebackers. Between stints with N.C. State, Godette spent five years as a defensive line coach in the National Football League (NFL). He worked under head coach Jimmy Johnson with the Miami Dolphins from 1996-2000, helping Jason Taylor become an All-Pro selection, and under Dom Capers with the Carolina Panthers from 1995-96.
The 1977 East Carolina graduate was the defensive line coach at Georgia Tech from 1992-94 and at ECU from 1990-91. He additionally worked with the defensive line with the Pirates from 1977-79. Godette also coached at Fayetteville's Terry Sanford High (1989-90), University of Cincinnati (1983-89) and University of Wyoming (1980-82). In addition to this year's Tangerine Bowl, Godette coached on the N.C. State team that participated in the 2000 Micronpc.com Bowl. He also coached in the 1994 Peach Bowl with the Wolfpack, the 1991 Peach Bowl with East Carolina and the 1978 Independence Bowl with ECU.
Godette was a four-year letterwinner (1972-76) while at East Carolina. The Havelock native earned third team All-American honors as a defensive end in 1976 and was named honorable mention All-American in 1975. He was additionally selected his team's defensive MVP in the 1975 and '76 seasons. Godette was inducted into the East Carolina Hall of Fame in 1998 as he was a three-time All-Southern Conference pick, leading the Pirates to a pair of SoCon titles.
Godette's connection with Briggs dates to Oct. 30, 1976 when the two meet on the field - Godette's senior year at East Carolina and Briggs' freshman season at Western. Briggs was 11-of-14 as WCU's quarterback in that contest, but Godette's Pirates scored 10 unanswered fourth-quarter points to prevail 24-17. Godette finished that game with six tackles, including three sacks. The two reunited as assistant coaches at N.C. State, helping the Wolfpack to the 1994 Peach Bowl.
|
|
 |
