Hempstead, NY -- Hofstra University announced Monday that head football coach Joe Gardi will retire at the end of the 2005 season.

Gardi, who became the Pride's head coach in 1990, has a 118-62-2 record in 16 seasons with Hofstra, 10 of those winning seasons. His win total is the second highest in school history and in their first season under Gardi, the Pride finished with a 10-0 record, the third undefeated regular season in school history.

"After reflecting on my coaching career...it became clear that this year was the right time to retire," said Gardi. "I have worked tirelessly for 16 years to take this football program to a level of excellence in I-AA. I feel like I deserve the chance to enjoy time with my family, which is tough to do with the responsibilities and physical demands of being a head coach at this level."

Hofstra made the jump from Division III to I-AA in 1994 and has since earned five championship bids in the last 10 seasons. The school enjoyed 10-1 records in 1995 and 1999, finishing with a Top-10 ranking both seasons in I-AA play.

"Joe Gardi has made a tremendous contribution to the growth of the Hofstra Football program over the past 16 years," Pride director of athletics Jack Hayes said. "His vision, drive, enthusiasm and knowledge were instrumental in the program's success over the years."

Most recently before joining Hofstra, Gardi was an assistant coach with the New York Jets from 1976 through 1984 and served as an assistant supervisor of officials for the National Football League from 1985-1990.