Gooch was then hired as the manager for the Mount Airy Reds of the Bi-State League. In January 1937, the Pirates hired Gooch to be their pitching coach, at the urging of his old friend, Pie Traynor, who was then managing the Pirates.
After being hired by the Mount Airy Reds for management duties in the Bi-State League, Gooch was assigned to the Pirates' coaching staff as a pitching coach. This position change came about due to the recommendation of his longtime friend Pie Traynor, who was overseeing the Pirates at that time.