Alumnus Jim Knowles '87 is named university's new head football coach

Cornell's new head football coach, Jim Knowles, left, meets the media in the Schoellkopf Hall of Fame Room, Jan. 30, while Andy Noel, director of athletics and physical education, looks on. Nicola Kountoupes/University Photography

Cornell graduate and former Big Red player and assistant coach Jim Knowles '87 was named the university's 25th head football coach Jan. 30 by Andy Noel, Cornell director of athletics and physical education. Knowles, the new Roger J. Weiss '61 Coach of Football, was formally introduced at an afternoon press conference in Schoellkopf Hall on campus.

"I'm very proud to announce that Jim Knowles has accepted our head coaching position," Noel said. "He brings a great deal of leadership and experience to our program and has an in-depth knowledge of the university and the tradition of Cornell football. I respect him very much as a person and a coach, and I could not be more pleased that Jim is returning to lead the Cornell football program."

"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater as Cornell's 25th head coach of football," said Knowles, who described his allegiance to Cornell during the press conference as "crazy love."

"It is no secret among my closest friends that this opportunity represents my lifelong career ambition. I can't wait to get started," Knowles said. "The football program under my direction will simply be a reflection of this university -- a first-class, championship team program."

Knowles, 38, spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at Cornell, 1988-96, helping lead the team to Ivy League titles in 1988 and 1990. He coached the linebackers (1995-96) and running backs (1989-94), served as the recruiting coordinator (1995-96) and oversaw special teams and spent one season directing the defensive line (1988). In its 1988 Ivy League title year, Cornell's rushing and scoring defense ranked No. 1 in the East and was 10th and seventh, respectively, in the nation. In 1990, the team had the No. 11 rushing defense in the country.

This past season, Knowles served as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mississippi, which had a standout year, posting its first 10-win season (10-3) since 1971 and winning the Cotton Bowl. Defensively, Mississippi had the nation's No. 14-ranked defense versus the run, and the team's only conference loss was at the hands of eventual national champion Louisiana State University.

Prior to his tenure at Mississippi, Knowles spent six seasons at Western Michigan University, where he served as defensive coordinator during his last two years. He coached the team's linebackers in 2002 after working the previous five seasons with the defensive line. In his second year as defensive coordinator, Knowles helped the 2002 Western Michigan team finish first in the Mid-American Conference and 28th nationally in total defense (330.7), playing a schedule that included three top 25 teams.

A three-year letter winner at defensive end as a player for Cornell, Knowles earned All-Ivy honors and honorable mention All-Eastern College Athletic Conference accolades in 1986. He graduated in 1987 with a bachelor's degree from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

A Philadelphia native, Knowles was an All-Catholic and All-City selection as a linebacker at St. Joseph's Prep. He also competed in crew and wrestling.

Knowles and his wife, Nancy, also a Cornell graduate, have a daughter, Halle, and two sons, Luke and Jack.