[7] In 1980, Burns hired Gigantino as a full-time coach in charge of the centers and assisted in recruiting, specifically in Central Jersey.
[11] He finished the 1984 season with a record of 2–8 as the Gaels competed as an NCAA Division III independent.
[14] The team's worst loss game against Norwich at home in the eighth week of the season as they lost 13–62.
[13][18] In 1986, he retained his role as special teams coordinator but moved to coaching the inside linebackers.
[22] After just one season with Lehigh, Gigantino was named the defensive coordinator for Hofstra under first-year head coach Joe Gardi.
[21][23] In his first season as defensive coordinator he helped lead the Flying Dutchmen to a 12–1 record and a trip to the NCAA Division III semifinal.
[24] He helped lead the defense to only allow 12.5 points per game, which was good enough for sixth in the nation that same year.
[25] He was crucial in the recruitment of quarterback Giovanni Carmazzi who went on to be drafted into the National Football League (NFL).
[25][26][27] He joined Cornell in hopes to help him pursue his goal of coaching in the NFL despite being deemed a lateral move.
[25] After one season he was promoted and added the title of assistant head coach alongside his other positions.
In 2024, Gigantino accepted his fifth stint as a defensive coordinator, this time for Massachusetts Maritime under head coach Jeremy Cameron.