Pittsburg State Gorillas

Larry Garman recently completed his 24th season as an assistant coach with the Pittsburg State University staff, after retiring from Pittsburg High School as one of the most successful prep coaches in Kansas state history.

Garman worked with the Gorillas’ tight ends for 12 seasons, before serving as the staff’s in-season, off-campus recruiter, extensively recruiting regional high schools and junior colleges, for nine years. He currently serves as a local high school/junior college recruiter, while also focusing on campus and community outreach as well as alumni relations for the staff.

During his tenure on Pitt State’s staff, Garman has coached six All-MIAA players and three All-Americans.

Garman, a member of the American Football Coaches Association, served as head coach at Pittsburg High for 34 seasons, molding the Purple Dragons into the model Class 5A program in the state.

He served as assistant coach for three years before taking the PHS helm.

During his tenure, he led the Purple Dragons to an amazing 255-84-5 record (.749), three Class 5A state titles (’83, ’88, ’90), a state-record 21 playoff appearances and 31 winning seasons. 

He was inducted into the Kansas Sports Hall of Fame in 2001 and the PSU Athletics Hall of Fame for meritorious achievement in 2012.

A Seneca, Mo., native, Garman earned a bachelor’s of science degree in education from PSU in 1962 and a master’s degree in school administration from PSU in 1965.

Larry and his wife, Karen, live in Pittsburg. They have three adult children:  Rhonda, Greg and Julie.