Hofstra90
November 14th, 2005, 07:30 AM
http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ny-skguardi144512548nov14,0,7550566.story
Hofstra football coach Joe Gardi will retire at the end of this season, which could conclude with Saturday's home game against No. 5 Massachusetts. After 16 years on the Hofstra sideline, Gardi, 66, said he wants to spend more time with his family. "The experience as head coach of this university has been fulfilling beyond expectations," he said, "but I look forward to turning to the next chapter in my life."
Gardi was at the helm as Hofstra moved from Division III to a Division I-AA independent in 1994, then to the Atlantic 10 conference in 2001.
He has posted a career record of 118-62-2 at Hofstra, taking the Pride (nee Dutchmen) to the Div. I-AA Playoffs five times with a postseason record of 2-5. He also brought Hofstra to the Div. III Playoffs his first season, 1990. He is the only Hofstra coach to win an NCAA Playoff game. His wins (118) and percentage (.654) are both the second-best in school history.
Gardi also coached 33 players who signed contracts with either NFL or Canadian Football League teams.
This was the final year of Gardi's contract. He and Hofstra athletic director Jack Hayes said they decided not to discuss an extension during the season. Hayes said he met with Gardi yesterday, when the coach told Hayes his decision. A formal announcement will be made today.
Gardi said after speaking with his family this summer, it became clear this would be his final season. "I feel like I deserve the chance to enjoy time with my family," he said. Gardi and his wife, Audrey, have two grown children and four grandchildren.
The Pride is 6-4 this year, its first winning season since 2001.
Hofstra has a sliver of a chance at being invited to this year's I-AA Playoffs; a win against Massachusetts is crucial and could extend the Joe Gardi Era by at least a week.
Hofstra football coach Joe Gardi will retire at the end of this season, which could conclude with Saturday's home game against No. 5 Massachusetts. After 16 years on the Hofstra sideline, Gardi, 66, said he wants to spend more time with his family. "The experience as head coach of this university has been fulfilling beyond expectations," he said, "but I look forward to turning to the next chapter in my life."
Gardi was at the helm as Hofstra moved from Division III to a Division I-AA independent in 1994, then to the Atlantic 10 conference in 2001.
He has posted a career record of 118-62-2 at Hofstra, taking the Pride (nee Dutchmen) to the Div. I-AA Playoffs five times with a postseason record of 2-5. He also brought Hofstra to the Div. III Playoffs his first season, 1990. He is the only Hofstra coach to win an NCAA Playoff game. His wins (118) and percentage (.654) are both the second-best in school history.
Gardi also coached 33 players who signed contracts with either NFL or Canadian Football League teams.
This was the final year of Gardi's contract. He and Hofstra athletic director Jack Hayes said they decided not to discuss an extension during the season. Hayes said he met with Gardi yesterday, when the coach told Hayes his decision. A formal announcement will be made today.
Gardi said after speaking with his family this summer, it became clear this would be his final season. "I feel like I deserve the chance to enjoy time with my family," he said. Gardi and his wife, Audrey, have two grown children and four grandchildren.
The Pride is 6-4 this year, its first winning season since 2001.
Hofstra has a sliver of a chance at being invited to this year's I-AA Playoffs; a win against Massachusetts is crucial and could extend the Joe Gardi Era by at least a week.