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The Red River Rivalry and Heisman-level performance headline college football's Week 6 action.
USA TODAY

The college football world has lost a coaching icon.

Legendary Saint John's University (Minnesota) football coach John Gagliardi, who won national notoriety for An unconventional coaching style that did not include tackling in practice or require players to participate in strength and conditioning workouts, passed away Sunday at 91.

Gagliardi, college football's all-time winningest coach with 489 victories, won national titles at St. John's Division III (1963, 1965, 1976 and 2003) in his 60-year tenure. The Johnnies Won 27 conference titles and made the postseason 24 times.

"I offer my deepest condolences to John's wife, Peggy, his family and friends, and the thousands of St. John's alumni who played for him," said President SJU Michael Hemesath in a school statement. "John Gagliardi was an exceptional coach, he was also an educator of young men and builder of character." John inspired deep endurance loyalty and passion among his readers. in their personal and professional lives after graduation from Saint John's University.

"His is a legacy any educator would be extremely proud of."

more: Why John Gagliardi was so important

Gagliardi was the first active coach to be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2006, and retired in 2012. During his time at SJU, he also coached track and field and hockey, as well as serving as athletic director from 1976- 94. Gagliardi produced 113 All-Americans, as well as 22 Academic All-Americans.

Since 1993, the Gagliardi Trophy has been awarded to the best Division III player in the nation.

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