Air Force's Brian Knorr Joins Michigan Football Coaching Staff

Veteran defensive coordinator brings wealth of experience to Wolverines' special teams

Apr. 11, 2026 at 2:07pm

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A fractured, geometric painting depicting a football game or practice, with sharp, overlapping planes in navy blue, maize yellow, and crimson red, conceptually representing the strategic changes to Michigan's coaching staff.A cubist interpretation of the strategic changes to Michigan's coaching staff, highlighting the addition of a veteran defensive coordinator to bolster the team's special teams unit.Ann Arbor Today

The University of Michigan football program has bolstered its coaching staff with the addition of Brian Knorr, the former defensive coordinator at Air Force, who will serve as an assistant special teams coach. Knorr, a 62-year-old coaching veteran, brings a strong track record of success, having led one of the nation's top defenses at Air Force in recent years.

Why it matters

The Wolverines are looking to build on their recent success and strengthen their coaching staff across all phases of the game. Knorr's extensive experience and expertise in defense and special teams could provide a valuable boost to the program as they aim to compete at the highest level.

The details

During his eight-year tenure at Air Force, Knorr played a pivotal role in shaping one of the nation's top defenses. In 2022, he was promoted to defensive coordinator, leading the Falcons to impressive rankings: No. 1 in total defense, No. 2 in passing defense, and No. 3 in scoring defense. Prior to Air Force, Knorr had coaching stops at Arizona, Ohio State, Indiana, and Wake Forest, showcasing his versatility and expertise in various roles.

  • Knorr spent the last eight seasons as the defensive coordinator at Air Force.
  • In 2022, Knorr was promoted to defensive coordinator at Air Force.
  • Knorr joins the Michigan coaching staff in April 2026.

The players

Brian Knorr

A 62-year-old coaching veteran who most recently served as the defensive coordinator at Air Force, where he led one of the nation's top defenses.

Kerry Coombs

The current special teams coach at Michigan, who will now work alongside Knorr on the Wolverines' special teams unit.

Jay Hill

The new defensive coordinator at Michigan, who was hired just days before Sherrone Moore's dismissal.

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What they’re saying

“We're excited to welcome Brian Knorr to our coaching staff. His wealth of experience and proven track record of success will be a valuable asset as we continue to build a championship-caliber program.”

— Jim Harbaugh, Head Coach, Michigan Football

What’s next

Knorr will begin his new role with the Wolverines in the upcoming 2026 season, where he will work closely with special teams coach Kerry Coombs to help improve Michigan's special teams performance.

The takeaway

The addition of Brian Knorr to the Michigan coaching staff represents a strategic move to bolster the team's defensive and special teams capabilities. Knorr's extensive experience and proven success at the collegiate level could provide a significant boost to the Wolverines as they aim to compete for championships in the years ahead.