Former Hofstra coach Gardi dies

[dbackjon]

Joe Gardi, who guided Hofstra's football team as it moved from Division III to Division I-AA (now the Football Championship Subdivision) in 1994, died Wednesday at the age of 71.

His son, David, confirmed the death to Newsday. David Gardi said his father died of complications from a stroke, the newspaper reported.

Gardi was hired as football coach in 1990, and retired after the 2005 season with a record of 119-62-2 and six NCAA playoff appearances, five of them after the Pride moved to Division I-AA.

Gardi was a key force in developing a number of NFL players, including former New York Jets receiver Wayne Chrebet (1995-2005) and 10-year NFL safety Lance Schulters (1998-2008).

He also coached New Orleans Saints receiver Marques Colston and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive lineman Willie Colon, as well as Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Raheem Morris.

"He was like a father figure to me," Morris said. "He was one of the most influential people in my life. He was one of the guys who encouraged me to go into coaching. He will always be a part of my life and a part of my family's life."

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[89Hen]

Great coach. Sorry to hear.

[Seahawks]

Sad news. Joe Gardi was a good man. RIP

[griz37]

I will always remember his account of the first time Hofstra played in Wa. Griz & his team was getting ready to come out of the tunnel the same time as Monte.

[DuckDuckGriz]

Met him in Missoula and Hempstead.....Such a nice gay.