Greg Knox to be named McMaster football head coach

Greg Knox is the new interim head coach of McMaster football, according to a report from TSN 1150's Marshall Ferguson. The news was confirmed by McMaster athletics and recreation.

Greg Knox to be named the next head coach of @McMasterSports football. More to come @TSN1150. #CIS #HamOnt

— Marshall Ferguson (@TSN_Marsh) May 16, 2016

Knox has a wealth of experience with the Mac program dating back to 2007. Most notably, the Peterborough, Ont. native was the defensive coordinator for the Vanier Cup runs in 2011, 2012 and 2014. In 2013, Knox left Mac for the University of Toronto before returning to the maroon and grey. Following the 2014 season, Knox joined the Winnipeg Blue Bombers of the CFL as their defensive backs coach. He takes over from Stefan Ptaszek, who left to join Hamilton Tiger-Cats as offensive coordinator.

Knox takes over the McMaster football program at a pivotal time in its history. The Marauders are among the CIS football elite, but the competition has moved beyond the field of play. Now, programs are being built in boardrooms and through the bank accounts of wealthy donors. Programs like Laval, Montreal, Carleton and the University of British Columbia are leaning on private funding and creating a hierarchy.

McMaster has not been able to follow suit. The Silhouette discussed the future of Mac football in 2014 because of the changing financial landscape.

But one way to overcome financial gaps is strong coaching. Knox has the resume that suggests he will continue with the high standard of head coaches established by Ptaszek and before him, Greg Marshall.

Details about the rest of the coaching staff were not immediately available.