Montclair State University Athletics

Joe Gambardella returns for his ninth overall season at Montclair State. This season he will again coach the linebackers, and also tutor the punt and kick returners. Gambardella holds a BA from the University of Wisconsin, in Military History, and was a four-year letterman for the Badgers, starting at linebacker and later switching to fullback. Joe went on to play running back for the Denver Gold of the USFL, in its inaugural season, until an injury ended his playing career. 

Gambardella brings over three decades of coaching experience to MSU, most notably at Fordham University, as Defensive Coordinator and Linebacker coach, and as Head Football Coach at River Dell and Westwood high schools, where his teams earned both League and State Championships. Among his former players were BJ Raji [ Boston College/ Green Bay Packers ] and Ramel Meekins [ Rutgers/ Indianapolis Colts ]. Joe has been honored as the Coach of the Year, by League, County and State organizations, and the National Football Foundation and College Hall of Fame. Coach Gambardella also holds a Masters Degree from Saint Peters University, in Administration and Supervision, and is a retired teacher and administrator in the Bergen County Public Schools. He and his family reside in Alpine, New Jersey.