 Gottfried was head coach from 1995 to 1998 at Murray State University and compiled a 68–24 overall record.Murray State advanced to the NCAA tournament in 1997 and again in 1998 and made the NIT in his first season there in 1996.He coached the Racers to Ohio Valley Conference championships in each of his seasons as head coach, becoming the first head coach to win three OVC titles in only three seasons.