Coach Ronald Gardner brings over 50 years of experience and passion for the game in his new role as defensive back coach this 2025 season. In 2024, he coached the wide receivers at Wesleyan.
Gardner has served as a prominent figure in high school football programs in both Michigan and Georgia. He's coached on two state championship teams and has been a head coach at three different high schools in Michigan. As a coach, he's been a very positive figure in preparing young men for successful college and the NFL careers.
Gardner's athletics roots trace back to when he competed in basketball, track and football back in his days at Detroit Kettering (1971) and he continued to flourish in football for two years at the University of Windsor in Canada, honing his skills and laying the foundation for a successful run in the NFL for both the Cleveland Browns and the New York Giants, and finishing with the LA Raiders by doing scouting for the 1983 Super Bowl champions.
“In my life I've met some great people but the things Hall of Famer Paul Warfield taught me along with how Hall of Famer Raymond Berry coached me are some of the most knowledgeable things that will last with me in my lifetime,” he said.
Gardner's coaching philosophy is rooted in the belief that success on the field is intertwined with character development and academic achievements. He instills values of respect, honor and discipline in his players, recognizing that these traits are essential not only in football but in life.
“Mental toughness is knowing you’re going to make mistakes, learn from them and continue to do your best,” he said.
Gardner's journey is marked by a relentless dedication to the sport of football and the development of student-athletes.
Gardner has four daughters Renee, Jennifer, Megan and Destiny, eight grandchildren, two which are currently playing for Wesleyan, two great granddaughters.
