John Gagliardi

An era ended Nov. 19, 2012, when John Gagliardi announced his retirement as Saint John's University's head football coach.  The first active head coach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame (Class of 2006) and the 2009 American Football Coaches' Association (AFCA) Amos Alonzo Stagg Award recipient, Gagliardi ended his record 64th season as a collegiate head football coach and landmark 60th season as head coach of the Johnnies in 2012.  

Gagliardi's success is attributable to more than just football strategy and tactics. He creates an environment of fun and high expectations and he concentrates on methods and practices that truly focus on winning football games. In short, Gagliardi's approach is one of concentration at the critical point and flawless execution. It is accomplished through a practice regimen that is purposeful -- emphasizing repetition and fundamentals. His coaching methods have been distilled into a series of "Winning With Nos," some of which are listed below.

• No blocking sleds or dummies
• No athletic scholarships
• No compulsory weightlifting program
• No whistles
• No "coach" - players call him John
• No tackling in practice - players wear shorts or sweats
• No long practices - an hour and a half or less

Each year, over 150 students turn out to be part of the Saint John's program. Through his current and former players, his accomplishments on and off the field and his place in the records of NCAA football, John Gagliardi has built a legacy that is unrivaled in college football.