Kirksey was the 18th head football coach for the Kentucky State University Thorobreds located in Frankfort, Kentucky and he held that position for the 1983 season. His career coaching record at Kentucky State was 2 wins, 7 losses, and 2 ties. As of the conclusion of the 2007 season, this ranks him 19th at Kentucky State in total wins and 17th at Kentucky State in winning percentage (.273).