DeKalb County football coaching legend William ‘Buck’ Godfrey dies

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) — Georgia high school football is mourning the loss of Coach William “Buck” Godfrey, one of the winningest coaches in DeKalb County history.

In a social media post, Southwest DeKalb High School Athletics confirmed Godrey’s passing late Saturday, saying, “Today we’ve lost a pivotal part of our lives and community.”

He amassed a 273-89-1 record with playoff appearances in 27 out of 30 years, including two state championships.

Godfrey, who coached at Southwest DeKalb from 1983 to 2012, was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame in 2023, one of many Georgia halls of fame that canonized him.

In 2014, he was inducted into the Georgia Athletic Coaches Association Hall of Fame. In 2010, he was inducted into the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame.

‘The Lord needed a ball coach’

Touching tributes pour in online about Godrey and his impact on young men in the South DeKalb community.

“The Lord needed a ball coach! He changed the course of my life,” one commenter on Facebook said.

Georgia Rep. Omari Crawford (D-Decatur) said Godrey would often give him feedback on his speeches on the House floor.

“Coach Buck Godfrey was more than a legendary football coach—he was one of Georgia’s greatest builders of men," Crawford said on social media. “Thank you, Coach, for believing in us long after our playing days ended and for leaving a legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.”

Godrey is the father of Atlanta radio personality Rashan Ali, who paid tribute to him on social media, simply saying “My hero. Daddy. Coach Godfrey’s Daughter.”

In 2015, the DeKalb County School District renamed Panthersville Stadium to William “Buck” Godfrey Stadium.