Gary Goff’s longest offseason is just about over.

After suffering through a rough 2023 campaign, the McNeese State head football coach enters his third season with a rebuilt roster and renewed hope.

“I’m excited about starting camp,” Goff said Wednesday.

He has called this season a fresh start, second chance, and new beginning since the last one ended with a program-worst 1-10 record.

Goff previously admitted there were times when last year’s woes got to him, but also has said he learned a lot. Starting next week he will put those lessons into action.

The Cowboys report to camp this weekend and start official workouts next Wednesday. Before that though, Goff has to travel to San Antonio for Southland Conference Media Day, where he will again have to talk about last season. He hopes that’s the last before everybody else does what he has already done and turns the page.

Yesterday, Goff spoke to the local media and fully understands what is at stake this year.

“We know what we went through, the staff, the team, myself have chips on our shoulders and I’m going to make sure it stays there,” Goff said.

However, he isn’t going to let the pressures get to him or his group.

“That’s for you guys to write about,” Goff said.“I’m not gonna go into the season talking about pressure, talking about last year and oh my gosh we gotta win.

“Yes, we know we have to win, we understand that. We gotta win, but if you start focusing on that day in and day out then you’re not doing your job to your best ability and you’re worried about the wrong things.”

Goff enters the new season knowing time is running short and the time of talking about rebuilds is running out. With one year left on his contract and the fanbase increasingly frustrated, this becomes a huge year for him and the Cowboys.

That’s why so much effort was put into this offseason and making the roster more talented and experienced. There have even been some key pieces added to the coaching staff itself.

On paper, it looks like it has worked, but nobody knows better than Goff this will have to play out on the field.

Granted, he inherited most of the issues that have plagued the Cowboys since his arrival, but heavy is the head that wears the crown.

But what he wants to do most of all is make sure like the buck, the pressure stops with him. He doesn’t want to have everybody worrying about everything in the McNeese locker room.

He wants to make sure he gives his staff the best effort every day and that they in turn give that to the players.

“We can only worry about what we can control and that’s to show up to work every day with a great attitude, great work ethic and make sure we’re taking care of our football team and take care of each other,” Goff said. “Yes, know where we’re coming where we are coming from, and from we know what we went through as a staff.”

They also made sure not to go into this season undermanned, like a year ago. With over 50 new players and 20 from the FBS level, the Cowboys look like they have not only reloaded but have brought in much better weapons.

With so much on the line this season it’s good to know at least McNeese won’t be outgunned.

Jim Gazzolo is a freelance sports writer who covers McNeese State athletics for the American Press. He can be reached at jimgazzolo@yahoo.com