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SPORTSTICKER COLLEGE FOOTBALL NOTE
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*Knowles named Cornell football coach*
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ITHACA, New York (Ticker) - Jim Knowles, who spent nine seasons
as an assistant at Cornell, was named the new coach at his alma
mater on Friday.
A 1987 graduate of Cornell, Knowles was an assistant for the Big
Red from 1888-96, helping them to Ivy League titles in
1988 and 1990. He spent last season as the linebackers coach at
Mississippi.
Prior to his job at Ole Miss, Knowles, 38, served for six years
as an assistant at Western Michigan, the last two as defensive
coordinator.
"It's no secret among my closest friends that this opportunity
represents my lifelong career ambition," Knowles said. "I can't
wait to get started."
Knowles takes over for Tim Pendergast, who was fired after a 1-9
season, including 0-7 in the Ivy League. Pendergast was 7-22 in
three seasons at Cornell.
st 01-30-04 13:22 et
AP-NY--Cornell-Knowles
Alum, former assistant picked as Cornell head coach
(Ithaca-AP) -- Former Cornell University assistant football
coach Jim Knowles will return to take over the head coaching job at
his alma mater.
It's the first head coaching job for the 38-year-old Knowles,
who spent last season as linebackers coach and recruiting
coordinator for Mississippi.
Knowles was also an assistant for six seasons at Western
Michigan and nine seasons at Cornell.
Knowles replaces Tim Pendergast, who was fired in November after
his team posted a one-and-nine record during his third season.
Knowles was a defensive end at Cornell from 1985 through 1987,
earning all-Ivy League honors in 1986.
(Copyright 2004 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)
AP-NY-01-30-04 1334EST
Post Edited (01-30-04 13:39)
http://cornellbigred.ocsn.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/013004aaa.html
ITHACA, N.Y. - Cornell University graduate and former assistant coach Jim Knowles '87 has been named the 25th head football coach at his alma mater, it was announced today, Jan. 30, 2004, by Director of Athletics and Physical Education Andy Noel. The Roger J. Weiss '61 Coach of Football will be formally introduced with a press conference at Schoellkopf Hall on campus this afternoon at 2 o'clock.
"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," Knowles said. "It is no secret among my closest friends that this opportunity represents my lifelong career ambition. I can't wait to get started!"
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. With the Big Red, he coached the linebackers (1995-96) and running backs (1989-94). He also served as the recruiting coordinator (1995-96) and oversaw special teams and spent one season directing the defensive line (1988). Along with the 1988 Ivy League title, the Big Red's rushing (113.8) and scoring defense (13.7) 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 (237.0) in the country.
This past season, Knowles served as the linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mississippi. Ole Miss had a standout year, as it posted its first 10-win season (10-3) since 1971 and claimed a victory at the Cotton Bowl with a 31-28 win over Oklahoma State. Defensively, the Rebels had the nation's No. 14 defense vs. the run, allowing opponents 102.46 yards per game. The squad also recorded 106 tackles for loss, including 28 sacks. Ole Miss posted a 7-1 mark in Southeastern Conference play and was co-champion of the SEC's Western Division for the first time in 40 years. The team's only conference loss was at the hands of national champion LSU.
Prior to accepting the job at Ole Miss, Knowles spent six seasons at Western Michigan University, where he served his last two years as defensive coordinator. He coached the WMU linebackers in 2002 after working the previous five seasons with the defensive line.
In his second year as defensive coordinator, Knowles helped the 2002 Broncos finish first in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) and 28th nationally in total defense (330.7), playing a schedule that included three Top 25 teams. The defensive unit, which included MAC Defensive Player of the Year Jason Babin, ranked second in the MAC in pass sacks (33) and pass defense (179.5). The WMU defense held three teams to less than 100 yards rushing and limited three others to less than 100 yards passing. The Broncos held opponents to 217 first downs, fewest in the MAC, and the defensive line extended its quarterback sack streak to 33 games.
Knowles' first year as defensive coordinator in 2001 saw the Broncos rank first in pass defense (179.8 yards per game) in the MAC and 17th nationally. WMU also paced the MAC with quarterback sacks (33). His defensive line unit was rated as the second-best in the league by one preseason publication as All-MAC performers Anthony Allsbury (first team) and Jason Babin (second team) ranked among the top eight players in sacks.
Prior to being named defensive coordinator at Western Michigan on Jan. 17, 2001, Knowles worked exclusively with the down linemen. During the 2000 season, his defensive line unit was partially responsible for helping the Broncos compile 38 sacks and 15 forced fumbles in 12 games. In addition, the Broncos held opponents to 139 points and posted three shutouts -- the most scoreless games since 1971. By season's end, Western Michigan ranked among NCAA Top 20 units in four categories: scoring defense (4th, 11.5 ppg), total defense (9th, 283.3 ypg), pass defense (13th, 178.0 ypg) and rushing defense (20th, 105.3 ypg).
Two of Knowles' players, Allsbury and Chris Browning, earned All-MAC first and second team honors, respectively, as first-year starters.
In 1999, Knowles worked closely with Jeremy Johnson, who went on to earn All-MAC honorable mention. He also developed a two-time all-league selection in Dan Falcon (1997-98) and the MAC's leading sack rusher in 1997 with all-league pick Ryan Bauer.
During Knowles' six seasons at WMU, the Brown & Gold generated 207 sacks -- including a high of 41 in 1997 -- which averages to 34.5 per season.
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.
Knowles, a Philadelphia, Pa., native, earned All-Catholic and All-City selection as a linebacker at St. Joseph's Prep. He also competed in crew and wrestling.
Jim and wife, Nancy, have a daughter, Halle and two sons, Luke and Jack.
Post Edited (01-30-04 14:42)
Do all of our coaches need to spend time at WMU? :-D
Welcome back to the Hill, Coach Knowles.
[Q]Do all of our coaches need to spend time at WMU?[/Q]I was thinking the same thing, BRA. Of course, we'll all be grateful if he does haf as well as that other guy from WMU...