Remembering a Titan of Catamount Football
The Western Carolina University community is in mourning after the death of Kent Briggs, a former quarterback, assistant coach, and head coach whose 15‑year tenure shaped the Catamount football program. Briggs, who passed away following a battle with head and neck cancer, leaves behind a legacy of resilience, strategic brilliance, and deep ties to the region.
Briggs first wore a Catamount jersey as a student from 1976 to 1979, earning a reputation for sharp decision‑making and leadership on the field. After completing his playing career, he returned to Western Carolina as an assistant under Bob Waters, a mentorship that lasted nine seasons and laid the groundwork for his eventual promotion to head coach.
A Decade of Defining Victories
During his 15 years at the helm, Briggs guided the team to several marquee wins, including upsets over Furman and Eastern Kentucky that cemented the program’s credibility in the Big South Conference. His strategic acumen helped the Catamounts punch above their weight, drawing attention from across the collegiate football landscape.
Beyond the wins, Briggs was known for his unwavering commitment to player development. He spent 11 seasons as an assistant at North Carolina State, contributing to seven postseason appearances, and later guided Cherokee High School to a 2017 state championship, a feat that earned him the title of All‑Western North Carolina Coach of the Year.
A Battle Fought in Silence
In the later years of his coaching career, Briggs confronted a serious health challenge. Diagnosed with head and neck cancer, he continued to lead with the same tenacity he displayed on the gridiron, even as he underwent treatment. His public disclosure of the diagnosis brought attention to the importance of health awareness among coaches and former athletes.
After announcing his retirement in 2019, Briggs stepped back from full‑time coaching but remained engaged with the university as a part‑time adjunct instructor, sharing his extensive knowledge with a new generation of students. His presence on campus reminded many that his influence extended far beyond the field.
Briggs is survived by his former wife, daughter, brother, niece, nephew, and a close circle of friends. He was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Cody Kent Briggs. The university has scheduled a memorial service to celebrate his contributions, and tributes have poured in from former players, colleagues, and community leaders.