Brian Knorr named head football coach
By George Mauzy

Brian Knorr

Less than 24 hours after Jim Grobe was introduced as Wake Forest University’s new head football coach on Dec. 11, Ohio University announced that assistant coach Brian Knorr would be his successor.

Knorr, 37, was the Bobcats’ defensive coordinator the past two seasons and inside linebackers coach since 1995. This year, his players ranked third in the Mid-American Conference in scoring defense, rushing defense and total defense.

“Ohio football is in great shape and the future is exciting,” he says. “The program’s goals will remain the same.”

Director of Athletics Thomas Boeh says Knorr’s quick appointment wasn’t a coincidence.

Jim Grobe

“This was an evaluation process that started well over two years ago,” he notes. “We anticipated the day we would be looking for a head football coach, and Brian gives us the whole package. He displays true quality of character, great leadership ability and an engaging personality.”

Knorr coached at his alma mater, the United States Air Force Academy, from 1992 to 1994. As a three-year letterman at quarterback, he helped the Falcons earn three bowl game appearances between 1982 and 1985.

Knorr earned a bachelor’s degree in management from the academy in 1986 and an MBA from the University of Dayton in 1991. He and his wife, Julie, have two daughters, Katie and Reagan, and a son, Brett.

Grobe, 33-33-1 in six seasons with the Bobcats, took over an Ohio program that had 17 wins in the 10 years preceding his appointment. Of the team’s 26 coaches, he had the fourth-most wins.

“I’m leaving a lot behind. I love the kids in the program and the people of Athens,” says Grobe, whose new assignment takes him to the powerful Atlantic Coast Conference. “It was a tough decision, but I felt that it was time for a new challenge, and Wake Forest represents a great opportunity.”