He then served as offensive line coach with the Kansas State Wildcats in 1977 and with the Western Michigan Broncos from 1978 to 1980.
He compiled a 20–11–1 record with the Tigers and ranks eighth on the wins list at FHSU.
He moved with Riley the following season to coach the WLAF's San Antonio Riders.
In 1995 CFL season Gilstrap received his first and only professional head coaching position when he was hired by the Ottawa Rough Riders.
He spent the 2002 season as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks/wide receivers coach at Southwest Mississippi Community College.
While at Oregon State, Gilstrap coached postseason honors recipients Yvenson Bernard, Doug Nienhuis, Adam Koets, Roy Schuening, and Aaron Koch.