Cullowhee -- June 22, 2026: The Western North Carolina sports community is mourning the loss of a true local legend. Kent Briggs, a former Western Carolina University quarterback who went on to serve his alma mater as both an assistant and head football coach, passed away on Friday, June 19, 2026, at the age of 68.
Briggs spent 15 of his 36-year coaching career in Cullowhee, leaving an indelible mark on the Catamount community, regional high school sports, and the countless players he mentored. He passed away following a long and well-documented battle with prostate cancer.
A Homegrown Legend
Originally from Asheville, Briggs was a standout athlete at A.C. Reynolds High School. He chose to stay in the region for his collegiate career, playing quarterback for the WCU Catamounts from 1976 to 1979.
After hanging up his helmet, Briggs immediately transitioned into coaching, building a legacy that spanned across major collegiate programs and historic high school runs:
The Bob Waters Era: Briggs began his coaching journey as an assistant under legendary WCU coach Bob Waters from 1980 to 1988. He was a pivotal part of the staff during the historic 1983 season, when the Catamounts achieved a school-record 10 wins and advanced to the NCAA Division I-AA National Championship game.
Collegiate Success: He spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach for the NC State Wolfpack, helping guide the team to seven postseason bowl appearances, before serving as the defensive coordinator for the Connecticut Huskies.
WCU Head Coach (2002–2007): Briggs returned to Cullowhee as the program's 11th head coach. His tenure was highlighted by unforgettable rivalry victories, including a 2004 dramatic 30-27 win over archrival Appalachian State to reclaim the "Old Mountain Jug," and a stunning upset of No. 2 Furman in 2005.
Championship History at Cherokee: Later in his career, Briggs moved to the high school ranks, coaching at Smoky Mountain High School before taking over at Cherokee High School. In 2017, he guided the Cherokee Braves to the 1A North Carolina State Football Championship—the very first state football title in the school's history. Following this historic achievement, he was named the All-Western North Carolina Coach of the Year.
A Legacy of Courage and Resilience
Briggs’ impact extended far beyond the gridiron, defined by his immense courage in the face of severe health challenges.
He was first diagnosed with head and neck cancer in the spring of 2005. Defying the odds, he refused to step away from his team, coaching the Catamounts through the grueling 2005 season while actively undergoing treatment. Years later, he faced a second diagnosis of prostate cancer during his tenure at Cherokee High School. His resilience so deeply moved his players that they unanimously petitioned to have him made an honorary member of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians following their 2017 championship run.
Briggs retired from coaching in 2019, though he later returned to WCU to share his knowledge as a part-time adjunct instructor. He is survived by his wife, Lisa Briggs, and his daughter, Alex Briggs-Allison. He was preceded in death by his parents and his beloved son, Cody Kent Briggs.
University officials expect to share details regarding funeral arrangements and memorial services in the coming days.