COLLEGEVILLE, Minn.— St. John’s has hired assistant Gary Fasching to replace John Gagliardi, the all-time college football leader in coaching victories.

Fasching’s hire was announced Friday by the Division III Catholic university in central Minnesota. He will succeed Gagliardi, who ran the Johnnies for 60 seasons and retired last month with a record of 489-138-11.

Fasching was an assistant under Gagliardi for the last 17 years, mostly working with the defensive line and also serving as recruiting coordinator. Fasching was a starting linebacker for the Johnnies from 1978-80 and later coached St. Cloud Cathedral High School from 1986-95, winning two state titles.

Former Carleton coach Kurt Ramler and current Eden Prairie High School coach Mike Grant were the other finalists. They also played for Gagliardi.

The Associated Press talked to Fasching after he learned the job was his.