Q&A with John Gagliardi

David Joles, Star Tribune

St. John's University head coach John Gagliardi, center, seen with his son Jim Gagliardi, St. John'f offensive coordinator, and Justin Nilson.

The Johnnies coach keeps rolling along, his team remaining undefeated this season.

By DENNIS BRACKIN, Star Tribune

Last update: October 25, 2009 - 12:36 AM

John Gagliardi has St. John's undefeated and atop the MIAC football standings, which surprises no one except perhaps Gagliardi himself. The legendary coach, who has more victories than anyone who has ever coached college football, claims he can't remember a year that the Johnnies have endured more injuries.

Before the season started, the Johnnies lost their best offensive lineman (Erik Kottom), a starting cornerback (Justin Nilson) and then his backup (Adam Weber), and now All-American defensive tackle Nick Gunderson is trying to finish the season despite tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his right knee; he missed the 2008 season after major surgery on his left knee.

Saturday, the Johnnies beat St. Olaf 10-3 despite playing the final three quarters without quarterback Joe Boyle, who aggravated a thumb injury.

"That's just the beginning,'' said Gagliardi, who proceded to tell how he started four backup players in the secondary against Gustavus Adolphus because of injuries and a starting cornerback taking his law school exam. Gagliardi then recited a half-dozen other key injuries, and he concluded by saying he's hopeful in a year or so he'll be able to forget everything that went wrong this season.

Still, overall, it's been another year to savor for Gagliardi, who discussed the season he's had with Star Tribune staff writer Dennis Brackin before Saturday's game.

Q You've had four come-from-behind wins, including one on a school-record 49-yard field goal against Bethel. Between those wins and the injuries, I hear people talking about "Johnnie Magic'' again. Is there a "Johnnie Magic"?

A I hope so. I don't know if there is or not, but it would be nice if there were. ... The last couple years we've been fortunate to have things fall on the right side for us more often than not. Of course, a year ago we were on the 1-yard line at Bethel when the game ended, so not everything has fallen our way.

Q Do you know yet whether this team is really good, or really lucky?

A I think you've got to be good, but you've got to be lucky, too. ... And I think I'd rather be lucky than good. Of course, some years we've been so good we haven't had to be that lucky. But when you're in a close game, then you've got to have some luck.

Q Nick Gunderson is hoping to contribute down the stretch, and in postseason if you make it. Do you think that's possible, given the seriousness of his knee injury?

A I hope he does for his sake, but I doubt it. I hate to say that, but then I'm not a doctor.

Q Is this team good enough to make a run in the postseason?

A I don't even think about that, fortunately, because that's the only way I keep my sanity, and that's assuming I am sane. I don't think too far in advance. I just dwell on current problems, which this season is plenty every single week. It's a helluva life, coaching football. Your life doesn't depend on luck, does it?

Q The obvious question I have to ask is whether you'll be back next season?

A I don't know, because what if the administration is thinking right now about firing me? Who knows? I plan to be back, but the big thing at this point of life is health. I'll be 83 the first of the month. Right now, I'm planning on [returning], if my health is OK.

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