Knox named Varsity Blues defensive coordinator

TORONTO  – The University of Toronto Varsity Blues football program is pleased to announce the hiring of Greg Knox as a full-time defensive coordinator for the 2013 season.

“Coach Knox is a great addition to our football staff,” said Beth Ali, director of intercollegiate and high performance sport. “His experience as an elite player in the CFL, and most recently as a coach in the Vanier Cup, will undoubtedly be impactful with our student-athletes.”

Knox joins the Varsity Blues coaching staff after seven years as a defensive coordinator with the McMaster Marauders. A two-time Grey Cup champion as a member of the Calgary Stampeders, Knox helped guide McMaster to the university’s first Vanier Cup title in 2011 – his second CIS banner after winning one as a player with the Laurier Golden Hawks (1991).

“We are very excited to have Greg join our coaching staff this season,” said Greg Gary, who enters his third season as U of T’s head coach and manager of football operations. “He is a proven defensive mind in this league and will make an immediate impact to our program. He is a great piece of the puzzle and a good fit for the team as we look to take ourselves to the next level.”

During his time with the Calgary Stampeders (1992-99), Knox was a multi-year captain, a 1994 CFL all-star and was nominated for the Tom Pateman of the year award for outstanding sportsmanship, dedication and contribution to the league. Following his second Grey Cup win in 1998, Knox retired but stayed active throughout the league.

He served as a board member of the CFL Players Association, Calgary Stampeders Alumni Association and team representative in countless public relations functions, speaking engagements and charitable events, including Stay in School, Children’s Milk Fund and Big Brothers and Sisters.

“It’s not easy leaving my football family at McMaster,” said Knox. “I count myself lucky to be part of a great run at Mac, but this is the right decision for my family and a great opportunity to help build toward success with the Varsity Blues. Leading edge facilities, world class education and renewed support for the program means the building blocks for sustainable success are falling into place.  I am excited to be part of it and look forward to the challenge.”

Knox holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and Political Science from Wilfrid Laurier University, as well as a bachelor of education from the University of Maine.

Source:  University of Toronto Sports Information