Gulf South Conference

Burgess's reputation is synonymous with the tradition of Jacksonville State football, after serving as the program's head coach from 1985-96, the first eight of which were as members of the Gulf South Conference. Under his direction, Burgess led Jax State to four GSC championships (1988, '89, '91, '92), five NCAA tournament appearances and three trips to the title game prior to program's transition to Division I. The 1992 campaign was one of the best JSU's Division II history as the Gamecocks posted a 12-1-1 overall record before capturing its only national title. A three-time GSC Coach of the Year, Burgess also garnered national Division II coaching accolades in 1992. He finished his GSC career with a 69-22 overall record, ranking eighth among GSC leaders in career wins and was sixth in winning percentage (.747) at the time of his induction.