Six months ago, Southern Illinois (FCS) quarterback Michael Lindauer announced his retirement from football after a career that included a stop at Cincinnati where he backed up third-round NFL Draft pick Desmond Ridder.
Lindauer transferred to SIU in 2021 to play for the Salukis and Nick Hill, but missed the entire season with a shoulder injury before serving as a backup the last two seasons.
In June, Lindauer made the difficult decision to hang up his cleats as the opportunity to join the staff as a graduate presented itself.
The former quarterback was tasked with brining his experience diagnosing coverages over to the defensive side of the ball, where the Salukis were coming off an outstanding year where they ranked among the FCS top ten in a number of key categories.
As the season played out for the Salukis, the quarterback room suffered some significant injuries as a disappointing 4-7 season unfolded. Three quarterbacks were lost to injuries since the season started at August.
Looking for an answer at quarterback, head coach Nick Hill had a solution sitting in on staff meetings. So heading into week 8 they petitioned the NCAA for Lindauer to return to the team, and that waiver was granted, allowing Lindauer to rejoin the team to provide some depth at quarterback, and serve as scout team quarterback.
Then, heading into the season finale against Murray State, starting quarterback Jake Curry suffered a hamstring injury and Lindauer was given the nod as the team's starter.
In his first, only, and last career start, Lindauer enjoyed a record-setting day as the Salukis rolled to a 62-0 victory over the Racers.
He finished the game 20-of-33 for 283 yards. Nearly a third of those completions went for touchdowns, as Lindauer tossed a school record 7 touchdowns in the dominant Senior Day win in front of a home crowd.
The performance earned him Missouri Valley Offensive Player of the Week honors.
On staffs all over the country, there are young (and old) coaches that feel like they've still got a few snaps left in them. Lindauer got the rare chance to prove it in his case, and absolutely made the most of it.
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