The House of Representatives of Louisiana has adopted a resolution expressing condolences on the passing of former Northwestern State University football coach Sam Goodwin, who died on March 20, 2026. A native of Pineville, Louisiana, Goodwin had a distinguished athletic career, excelling as a two-way football player in high school and later as a collegiate athlete at Henderson State University, where he was an NAIA All-American and a three-time conference discus champion. His coaching career spanned several successful seasons, including a notable tenure at Parkview High School in Arkansas, where he won five state championships, and later at Northwestern State University, where he achieved a school-record 102 wins over 17 seasons and led the team to multiple conference championships.

The resolution highlights Goodwin's significant contributions to football in Louisiana and Arkansas, including coaching numerous All-Americans and future NFL players. After retiring from coaching in 2000, he continued to serve in athletic administration and received several honors, including induction into the N-Club Hall of Fame and the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame. The House of Representatives acknowledges Goodwin's legacy as a respected leader and coach, expressing heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, and former players, and recognizing the lasting impact he made in the world of sports.