Veteran Coach Ed Knaggs Returns to Gonzaga Baseball for Third Stint

Knaggs brings decades of experience and success back to the Bulldogs' coaching staff.

Apr. 13, 2026 at 7:20pm

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A cubist, geometric painting depicting a baseball game or practice, with players and equipment broken down into overlapping planes of vibrant colors like blue, green, and orange, conveying the energy and dynamism of the sport.Gonzaga baseball's veteran coaching staff brings a wealth of experience and institutional knowledge to the program's latest campaign.Spokane Today

Ed Knaggs, a veteran baseball coach with a long history at Gonzaga University, has returned to the Bulldogs' coaching staff for his third stint with the program. Knaggs first joined Gonzaga in the early 1980s and has since built an impressive resume, including five West Coast League championships. Despite opportunities elsewhere, Knaggs has maintained a strong connection to Gonzaga, describing it as 'always a part of you' and 'in your soul'.

Why it matters

Knaggs' return to Gonzaga represents the program's ability to retain long-term coaching talent, a trend seen across Gonzaga's athletic department. His extensive experience and track record of developing MLB-caliber players could provide a significant boost to the Bulldogs' baseball team as they look to continue their strong start to the 2026 season.

The details

Knaggs first joined the Gonzaga baseball staff in the early 1980s, following then-head coach Steve Hertz to UC Irvine. He later returned to Gonzaga in the 1990-91 season before embarking on a successful run in the West Coast League, where he won five championships. Now, Knaggs is back for his third stint with the Bulldogs, reuniting with head coach Mark Machtolf. Across his two previous stints as a Gonzaga assistant, the team compiled a 160-128 record, and Knaggs has helped develop 16 future Major League Baseball players.

  • Knaggs first joined the Gonzaga baseball staff in the early 1980s.
  • Knaggs returned to Gonzaga for a second stint during the 1990-91 season.
  • Knaggs is now back for his third stint with the Bulldogs ahead of the 2026 season.

The players

Ed Knaggs

A veteran baseball coach with a long history at Gonzaga University, Knaggs has returned to the Bulldogs' coaching staff for his third stint with the program.

Mark Machtolf

The current head coach of the Gonzaga baseball team, who has welcomed Knaggs back to the coaching staff.

Steve Hertz

The former Gonzaga head coach who recruited Knaggs to the university and later hired him as an assistant coach.

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What they’re saying

“He brings a wealth of knowledge and he knows what Gonzaga is all about. He's been here three different times.”

— Mark Machtolf, Gonzaga Head Coach

“Every day, even though the weather isn't like this every day, this is exactly what it feels like for me. I get to come here to the university that I've always been very, very fond of.”

— Ed Knaggs, Gonzaga Assistant Coach

“It's such a great place to work and a great school and great athletic department. Coaches come, they establish themselves, and they want to stay here and raise their families.”

— Mark Machtolf, Gonzaga Head Coach

“He's still here, had a lot of opportunities to be elsewhere and probably make more money. But it gets in you. It's in your soul. It's always a part of you.”

— Ed Knaggs, Gonzaga Assistant Coach

What’s next

The Gonzaga baseball team, currently 20-14 overall and 9-3 in WCC play, will look to continue their strong start to the season when they return to action this Friday, starting a three-game series at Saint Mary's.

The takeaway

Knaggs' return to Gonzaga highlights the program's ability to retain long-term coaching talent, a trend seen across the university's athletic department. His extensive experience and track record of developing MLB-caliber players could provide a significant boost to the Bulldogs' baseball team as they aim to build on their successful start to the 2026 season.