Joe Gorton completed his fifth season as defensive backs coach for King's College and his first as Co-Defensive Coordinator in 2024. Gorton will primarily be responsible for the cornerback position in the secondary.
During Gorton’s five active seasons at King’s, the secondary has achieved post-season recognition with 14 All-MAC, five All-Region, and three All-American players, including the first King's All-American since 2006. Since Gorton has been at King's, the MAC leader in passes defended has emerged from his cornerback position group four out of the last five seasons, including the 2022 defense that led the MAC in interceptions with 18.
Additional accolades and accomplishments while coaching at King's includes top-ranking NCAA Division III statistics such as fourth in passing defense in 2023 (127.3 yards per game), sixth in total defense in 2023 (229.3 yards per game), 12th in defensive pass efficiency in 2023 (95.04), and 11th in passes intercepted in 2022 (18).
Gorton previously served two stints as assistant coach and defensive coordinator at his alma mater, Scranton High School, from 2011-2012 and 2016-2019. During his time at Scranton, the Knights won two league championships and a District 2 Title. The 2012 District championship team’s record of 11-1 remains a school best for the Knights. Prior to returning to Scranton, Gorton was the Defensive Coordinator at Pittston Area Senior High School from January 2013 through March of 2016.
- 2010 graduate from nearby Wilkes University with a degree in electrical engineering and physics.
- Competed for the Colonels football team for four seasons, including the 2006 MAC title team.
- Resides in Highland Lake, NY with his wife Megan and four children, Lukas (12), Aurora (10), Camilla (5), and Beau (3).
