Leadership

Alan Gooch has committed his life to one thing…helping others. His primary vehicle for doing this has been his work for more than 25 years in college athletics and primarily football. Alan is the Executive Director of the Orlando Sports Foundation, whose goal is to bring a college football bowl game to the UCF campus and Bright House Networks Stadium. Additionally, the Bowl's goal is to create awareness and additional financial resource for cancer research.

Gooch began his career as a member of the University of Central Florida (UCF) Knights as a defensive back in 1981 before spending 22 seasons as a member of the coaching staff. He started his coaching career in 1983 as a graduate assistant quickly moving thru the ranks and becoming UCF's recruiting coordinator, during his eight years at the position, he aided the program's transition from Division II through I-AA and into I-A status. He was named assistant head coach in 1998 and took over as interim head coach at the end of the 2003 season. Gooch and Gary Gibbs of University of Oklahoma are the only two coaches in division one football to rise from player to Head Coach without leaving their alma mater.

Read more: Alan Gooch, Executive Director