A Legacy Unrivaled: The Story of John Gagliardi

by Lou Holtz (Foreword), Boz Bostrom

John Gagliardi, who served as the head football coach at Saint John’s University from 1953 to 2012, won more football games than any coach at any level of collegiate ball. His innovative and unconventional approach to coaching― including not allowing tackling during practices― not only helped the team win nearly five hundred games and four national championships, but placed Gagliardi as an inspiring leader, mentor, and father figure to hundreds of student- athletes over his sixty years as a head coach. Gagliardi continues this role as teacher and mentor through his “Theory of Coaching Football” course at Saint John’s, which is one of the most popular classes on campus every year. A Legacy Unrivaled explores the man, his football philosophy, his life lessons, his sense of humor, and his connections to others through a very personal journey by author and former player Boz Bostrom. Including recollections from former Johnnies, the book offers a firsthand look at how Gagliardi’s high expectations for his students and his focus on making the person rather than the player made him so successful on the gridiron.

216 pages, Paperback

Published September 1, 2016

About the author

Louis Leo "Lou" Holtz (born January 6, 1937) is a retired American football coach, and active sportscaster, author, and motivational speaker. He served as the head football coach at The College of William & Mary (1969–1971), North Carolina State University (1972–1975), the University of Arkansas (1977–1983), the University of Minnesota (1984–1985), the University of Notre Dame (1986–1996), and University of South Carolina (1999–2004), compiling a career record of 249–132–7. Holtz's 1988 Notre Dame team went 12–0 with a victory in the Fiesta Bowl and was the consensus national champion. Holtz is the only college football coach to lead six different programs to bowl games and the only coach to guide four different programs to the final top 20 rankings. Holtz also coached the New York Jets of the NFL during the 1976 season.

Over the years, the slender, bespectacled Holtz has become known for his quick wit and ability to inspire players. In 2005, Holtz joined ESPN as a college football analyst. On May 1, 2008, Holtz was elected to the College Football Hall of Fame. Holtz is a master motivational speaker and a former analyst for CBS Sports. Lou Holtz and his wife, Beth, are parents to four grown children.

Reviews

[Bill Olson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book. Quick read, very conversational in tone…in fact basically a record of many conversations with the legendary coach and many of his former players. It really shows what happens when you genuinely take an interest in people and give them encouragement and motivation to do their best and even better than what they think their best is. A quote from a former player, “How wonderful the world would be if all people would affirm the good things they see in others, whenever and wherever they see it. John did, and we should as well.”, sums up how he was so successful and how so many of his players were as well. It is amazing that even players who never started a game, still had such high praise for the man and how he taught them and helped them grow into the best versions of themselves.

[Tom Richmond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes, this book feels a bit too much like it’s about the authors experience writing a book, rather than about John. That said, it sure does capture his spirit, messages, and what is truly important about his legacy. I personally wish there was a bit more or a biographical feel, but it’s clear early on that is not the authors intention. Go Johnnies, and long live John’s legacy.

[Pam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good book about Coach John Gagliardi that will inspire teachers, coaches, and leaders.

[Mike Kennedy · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really think this was closer to a three and a half, but considering I attended SJU and I attended the class... I figured I would go with the four. John Gagliardi is a great football coach and an even greater person. This book really raised my opinion of the man. Not that I had a poor opinion of him. I just was jealous of the support and attention the football program garnered. When your on the tennis team playing in ten year old uniforms while the football team dresses 200 and has new uniforms for the whole team, it can cause jealously. This book walks you through Gagliardi's Theory of Coaching Football class. It was interesting to see some of the thoughts behind the class that only touches on football. I have a new found respect for what Mr. Gagliardi was trying to teach in his class. When I attended his class, I must say I didn't get it at all. All I saw was a crazy old man trying to get people to go on dates. Having a girlfriend at the time, I wasn't interested in that and was ticked there wasn't more football talk. Now I wish I would have paid more attention to the methods behind the madness, it certainly could have helped me early in my career. The book also covers,albeit it briefly, Gagliardi's last season in 2012. I thought the writing was average at best, and "Boz" (the author) seemed to ramble on and jump all over the place from time to time. I will Give him credit as his passion for the subject was true, and you could feel that as a reader. It made some of the poor writing easier to overlook. Overall, I enjoyed this book. It is worth a read to learn about how Gagliardi was able to become so successful by always respecting and caring about others.

[Dave · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really good read -- had read earlier books on Coach Gagliardi so I know about some of his contrarian views to coaching football - but this book showed his contribution to both his football players and students. It isn't a surprise that he is the winningest coach in college football history. When the player who worked under both Gagliardi and Lombardi said that Gagliardi was the best coach he ever played for - that says something.

Very fast read - two afternoons - would highly recommend this book.

[Andy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. It is really an approach to life that is focused on humility, kindness and focusing on others. It is yet even more than that. This is a book of leadership, of developing leadership and reaching your full potential. True North by Bill George is the only book equal in speaking of leadership. I have read it twice and will read it yet again in the future. It is be a book I will hold in my personal library.

[Ann Jonas · Rating 4 out of 5]

Coach John Gagliardi is a gem!