The University of Chicago has announced the hiring of Craig Knoche as the next head coach of the Maroons football program. Knoche, who spent seven years as an assistant coach at Chicago under Dick Maloney and Chris Wilkerson, was an area high school coach.
Knoche replaces Max Andrews, who held the job on an interim basis this past fall. Before that, Todd Gilcrist had been head coach for two seasons, but Gilcrist's final season saw three assistant coaches leave in the middle of the year.
The Maroons finished 6-4 this past fall, 6-3 in Midwest Conference play.
With an extensive coaching background that spans offensive strategy, recruiting, and student-athlete development, Knoche has built a reputation for fostering competitive, high-achieving teams while maintaining a strong commitment to academic excellence. Most recently, he served as the head football coach at Walter Payton College Prep, where he led the team to three consecutive conference championships and significantly expanded the program's roster.
Prior to that, Knoche was an assistant coach at the University of Chicago from 2009-2016, where he played a key role in developing some of the most successful offenses in program history. As offensive coordinator and recruiting coordinator, he helped guide UChicago to an undefeated 3-0 UAA season in 2010 and multiple school records, including total offense and scoring. In addition to his record-breaking offenses, he helped the program earn its first national ranking in the modern era and played an integral role in player recruitment and development. Under his leadership, the Maroons' offense produced three UAA Offensive Players of the Year, two UAA Offensive Rookies of the Year, and 56 All-UAA offensive selections.
"We are thrilled to welcome Craig Knoche back to the University of Chicago as our next head football coach," said athletic director Angie Torain. "Craig brings a wealth of experience and a winning mindset to our program. Under Craig's leadership, our team will achieve new heights and continue to represent our community with integrity, dedication, and excellence. Craig is committed to enhancing the student-athlete experience, focusing on personal growth and academic success."
Knoche's hiring marks a pivotal step for the Maroons football program as it continues to build on its foundation of success. His leadership approach emphasizes stability, competitiveness, and long-term growth. His experience at Wabash, UW-Madison, Stanford and other programs further highlights his ability to develop winning cultures, implement high-level schemes, and mentor student-athletes in competitive academic environments.
"I would like to express my sincere gratitude to Angie Torain and the search committee members for volunteering their valuable time to participate in the process that led to this moment. I am honored to serve as the next head football coach at the University of Chicago. This is a real-life dream come true," Knoche said. " I am excited to get to know our current players as we prepare to compete in 2025. I look forward to connecting, and in many cases, reconnecting, with the wonderful alumni base while our coaching staff simultaneously identifies and builds relationships with future Maroons. Having the right people in and around our program will create an environment where championship results occur as a byproduct of our student-athletes having the best all-around experience in Division III football. An experience that can only be provided by a world-class institution situated in a historic neighborhood of the greatest city in the world."
Knoche added: "A special thank you to the Walter Payton College Prep football family. Payton took a chance on a first-time head coach five years ago and forever changed my and my family's lives for the better."
Knoche will officially assume his role as head coach on Feb. 10.