FB: Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference

[DuffMan]

Wow!  It been speculated for so long, and the day is finally here.  I am honored to have spent 4 years playing for the legend. 

Best of luck with your retirement, John!!!

As for SJU...onward and upward!

[SUMMIT!!!!!]

heres the offical announcemtn:
http://www.gojohnnies.com/news/2012/11/19/FOOTBALL_1119125657.aspx

At least he goes out out his terms, at a time of his choosing in a manner he sees fit. No "farewll tour," no scandal, no program falling apart around him like some of his longevity peers. He built a powerhouse and will hand off to his successor a strong, vibrant program. Most importantly, though, is the literally thousands of lives he touched, helped shape and inspired. Even from "the dark side" we respected him (and were jealous of his success)and the things he accomplished. More so, we admired HOW he accomplished them- exemplifying the values that make DIII and the MIAC so great.

[johnnie_esq]

heres the offical announcemtn:
http://www.gojohnnies.com/news/2012/11/19/FOOTBALL_1119125657.aspx

At least he goes out out his terms, at a time of his choosing in a manner he sees fit. No "farewll tour," no scandal, no program falling apart around him like some of his longevity peers. He built a powerhouse and will hand off to his successor a strong, vibrant program. Most importantly, though, is the literally thousands of lives he touched, helped shape and inspired. Even from "the dark side" we respected him (and were jealous of his success)and the things he accomplished. More so, we admired HOW he accomplished them- exemplifying the values that make DIII and the MIAC so great.

Great post, Maniac! 

[SaintsFAN]

Congratulations on a great career, Coach Gagliardi !

[hazzben]

SJU is losing a great one. And the MIAC is as well. No one can question that Gags raised the level of play and profile of football in the MIAC. It was an honor to play against him, and an indelible memory to have taken part in the 409 game against his last great team. He is an icon whose coaching tenure spanned the eras of Parseghian, Hayes, Devaney, Paterno, Bryant, McKay, Fry, Osborne, Saban, Tressel, Kehres, Westering and many others. That type of longevity and excellence is absolutely mind boggling to consider. As a former Bethel player, sad to see him go, but like maniac said, glad he could go on his own terms.

Personally, I hope there isn't a wholesale purge with the assistants. Those guys have taken their lumps the last couple years, but the guys on defense in particular know how to coach football.

And yes, Kehres would seem like the only possible guy to challenge 489 at this point. Another class act who would represent the best of D3 in the same way John has.

[sfury]

Yeah if not Kehres -- who would seem likely to break it if he does stay -- then no one. If a guy becomes head coach at 30 all he'd have to do is average 10 victories a year for 50 years.

[sfury]

From Reusse's twitter:

Patrick Reusse ‏@1500ESPN_Reusse
Monday morning, he saw assistants Fasching & Damien Dumonceaux in parking lot & said, "I'm announcing it today.''
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11m Patrick Reusse ‏@1500ESPN_Reusse
Gag's insiders said he was going to keep retirement low-key & there's nothing more low-key than this:
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[DuffMan]

I've got a hand-written letter from John when I was being recruited.  I need to dig that up!  Such a special guy...

[sjusection105]

Thanks for the memories John- 2002 & 2003 were very special years at SJU. John really pulled out some great schemes during those two runs,capped off with Walnut & Bronze in 2003!

[02 Warhawk]

Yeah if not Kehres -- who would seem likely to break it if he does stay -- then no one. If a guy becomes head coach at 30 all he'd have to do is average 10 victories a year for 50 years.

In just six seasons Lance Leipold has 79 wins. Obviosuly that's not even in the same zip code as Gagliardi, but he's relatively young and is on a nice pace (13 wins per season). I think he's around 47 years old right now. So that would put him on pace to hit 490 wins at age 80.

Given that the Warhawks didn't make the playoffs this year, it's hard to tell if he can keep up that pace.

Regardless, Gagliardi's 489 wins will be VERY tough to surpass.

[Pat Coleman]

I think my funniest John Gagliardi moment was after a postgame interview sometime in the past few years. John asked where I went to high school and when I told him (DeLaSalle) he asked if I had considered going to St. John's. I told him I had applied and was accepted but did not get enough financial aid. He responded by saying, "I believe it. You can't get anything out of those monks."

I hope he enjoys retirement. Everyone deserves to relax, certainly at age 86.

[RFB]

Just wanted to stop by and wish Mr. Gagliardi well and best of luck in retirement. He is an icon and led from the front and helped shape what is the best division in college football. He will be missed!

[USTBench]

Congrats on John/SJU on a great career.

His contribution to SJU and the MIAC certainly raised the profile and level of play in our conference, and I can say with great confidence that I certainly wouldn't be as interested as I am in our brand of football if he didn't exist. I know for myself, I stuck around a few years after my body's expiration date just to dress for one more SJU game.

[Chubbs]

Salute to a most worthy adversary.  Proud to have played against some of his finer teams and to have been mentioned in The Sweet Season. 

Congratulations on a career without equal, John!  Here's to many more happy years spent in repose with your family.

[samwill47sju]

Can't remember last time I posted on this board!

We knew the day was coming, we certainly hoped it would be on a winning note, but John's announcement to retire today does not deminish the incredible, legendary, unrivaled run this man had during his career!  I will forever cherish the seasons I played for him, and more importantly the many conversations I had with him during and long after my 4 years at St. John's.   I hope he is able to enjoy a long retirment and be forever proud of his accomplishments and the tremendous impact he had on players he coached and coached against over the years!  Love him or hate him....it was hard not to respect him!

Thanks John!  Congrats John!