ERIE, Pa. – Gannon head football coach Erik Raeburn has announced the addition of longtime coach Ron Gardner to the Golden Knights' coaching staff. Gardner will serve as the tight ends coach, bringing more than 50 years of football experience to the program.

"We are excited to have a coach of Ron's caliber join our staff," Raeburn said. "He had an incredible playing career and brings over 30 years of coaching experience to share with our team."

Gardner comes to Gannon after serving as the wide receivers coach at West Virginia Wesleyan in 2024. His extensive coaching career has included stops at both the high school and collegiate levels.

A prominent figure in high school football in Michigan and Georgia, Gardner has been part of two state championship teams and has served as the head coach at three different high schools in Michigan. Throughout his career, he has helped prepare numerous players to continue their careers at the collegiate and professional levels.

Gardner's football roots date back to Detroit Kettering, where he competed in football, basketball and track before graduating in 1971. He continued his football career for two years at the University of Windsor in Canada.

Gardner later spent time in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns and New York Giants before moving into scouting with the Los Angeles Raiders. He was a member of the Raiders organization when it won Super Bowl XVIII following the 1983 season.

Gardner's coaching philosophy centers on developing student-athletes both on and off the field. He emphasizes respect, honor and discipline while stressing the importance of character development and academic achievement.

Gardner's journey through football has been marked by a dedication to the game and the development of student-athletes.

Gardner has four daughters, Renee, Jennifer, Megan, and Destiny, along with eight grandchildren and two great-granddaughters.