ATHENS, Ohio -- Brian Knorr, an assistant coach who helped build a
strong defense at Ohio, was promoted Tuesday to head coach of the Bobcats.
He replaces Jim Grobe, who was hired as coach of Wake Forest on Monday.
Knorr has been the defensive coordinator the past two seasons and has been
an assistant at Ohio since 1995. The team ranked third in the Mid-American
Conference in scoring, rushing and total defense this season.
Athletic director Thomas Boeh cited Knorr's "character, passion for the
game and exceptional coaching expertise."
The Bobcats were 7-4 this season, including wins over Minnesota and
Marshall, but it was their first winning season since 1997.
Ohio was one of five teams in the country this season to hold opponents to
fewer than 30 points in every game.
Knorr, 36, previously was an assistant coach at Air Force, his
alma mater. As quarterback, he led the Falcons to three bowl appearances. He
returned as a coach after five years as an Air Force captain stationed in
Dayton.
At Wake Forest, Grobe replaces Jim Caldwell, who was fired Nov. 26 after
one winning season in eight years.
Grobe was 33-33-1 in six years at Ohio and led the Bobcats to a winning
record in the Mid-American Conference the last five seasons. Ohio was 0-11 the
year before Grobe took over in 1995.
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