Tuesday, April 25, 2017

1977 Profile: Joe Gardi

Special Teams Coach
"A proven coach at all levels, Gardi (pronounced GAR-dee) is responsible for special teams and also works with linebackers. He joined the Jets staff in 1976 after serving as head coach of the Portland Thunder in the World Football League for three games before that league folded.
Gardi began his coaching career at Oratory Prep in Summit, New Jersey where he produced two winning seasons in three years for a school that was 0-37 in the five years prior to his arrival. He became head coach at Roselle Park (NJ) High School in 1967. That school had not had a winning record in 10 years. Gardi put together a pair of winning campaigns in three years, including an undefeated state championship team in 1969. He was tabbed the 'Miracle Worker' by New Jersey sportswriters.
He returned to his alma mater, Maryland, as freshman coach in 1970 and was a varsity assistant from 1971-74. He joined the Philadelphia Bell of the WFL the following season as coach of special teams and running backs. Gardi was named interim head coach for the Bell in the middle of the 1975 season. He defeated Portland in his only game and was chosen head coach of the Thunder a week later.
Gardi was co-captain and named 'unsung hero' for Maryland in 1959. He signed as a free agent with Washington, then with Buffalo but failed to make either club. Gardi was born in Newark, New Jersey and is a native of Harrison, New Jersey, where he was an all-state tackle at Harrison High School in 1955."

-1977 New York Jets Media Guide

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