Darryl Gaines

Archie Gunslinger Cooley Darryl Gaines

Archie Lee Cooley is one of the most colorful coaching figures in college football. In his first head coaching job; the brash talking, self-assured coach left an indelible footprint that has since pushed the standard for all coaches. Taking over the program at Mississippi Valley State University, Cooley acquired the nickname "Gunslinger" he wasn't afraid to not only talk the talk but walked the walk as well. The 1980s saw the Delta Devils rise to national football prominence, behind a high-octane offense. He singlehandedly turned the college football world upside down. A glimpse into his life reveals his growing up in poverty, his formidable high school/college years, to his learning under another legend (Big John Merritt), culminating with his meteoric rise to coaching immortality. There's something here for everyone if you love success stories.