New Wayzata Defensive Coordinator Teaches More than Football

It was a legendary, college-football coach’s relationship with his players that inspired a young, future coach to make connections with his own players and teach beyond the game of football.

John Gagliardi of St. John’s University was the coach and Andy Hover—Wayzata’s defensive coordinator—was a young cornerback who got to do more than play for a national championship. He learned life lessons from one of the best. Now, in his first year as the defensive coordinator for the undefeated Wayzata football team, Hover looks to pass on the lessons he has learned from people like Gagliardi to the players he instructs on the field.  

“It was a great experience,” said Hover. “John has taught me a lot of things that I like to pass onto the kids.”

Hover plans on teaching important life lessons like setting priorities, hard work, discipline and teamwork. It’s this part of the coaching job that lasts a lifetime, according to Hover, and after moving up the coaching ladder he has a larger opportunity to influence his players in a positive way.

Hover replaced former Defensive Coordinator Matt Lombardi after last year’s State championship season. Lombardi took the head coaching position at Maple Grove after winning three state championships with the Trojans.

Hover learned a lot from Lombardi during the eight years they spent coaching together at Wayzata. He learned about defensive schemes, how to be a better coach and that a connection with the kids is needed in order to really make a difference in their lives.

“It helped forge me into knowing what I want to be as a coach,” said Hover. “It’s about being a mentor and being a guy that helps out in putting people on the right path.”

Although everyone in the program thought Lombardi would eventually move on, it was still a shock to the coaching staff and the players when he did. Soon after Lombardi left, Head Coach Brad Anderson called Hover into his office and offered him the defensive coordinator job. Hover was the junior varsity defensive coach at the time, and although he didn’t expect to get such a committed position this early in his career, he gladly took the opportunity.  

Now, halfway into his first season as defensive coordinator, Hover is still known as a “player’s coach.” His connection with the players allows him to better understand personnel groupings and deal with player situations on a personal level.

“The players love him,” said Anderson. “They will run through a wall for him.”

Hover's new position comes with added responsibility. Hover now has to make difficult personnel decisions he never had to make before, and he’s spending more time than ever preparing for the week’s game. He also said that he has to take full responsibility for the defense’s performance and lead the defensive coaching staff in making decisions.

But although his new position requires him to be more business-like, Hover plans on keeping the game fun for both the players and the coaches. He strives to make sure the game is fun for every player on the football field.

“It’s all got to be fun,” said Hover. “Or something is wrong.”