York University Athletics & Recreation announced Thursday the hiring of Greg Knox as its football program's defensive coordinator, as the Lions coaching staff begins to take shape under the leadership of first-year head coach Dexter Janke. 

Knox, a 54-year-old from Toronto, Ont., brings extensive experience to the Lions on the defensive side of the ball. He spent seven seasons (2006-12) as the defensive coordinator at McMaster, winning both a Yates Cup and a Vanier Cup with the Marauders in 2011. He fulfilled the same role for the Toronto Varsity Blues in 2013 before returning to McMaster in 2014.

Knox was a decorated defensive back in his playing days. He was drafted in the sixth round, 47th overall by the Calgary Stampeders, and spent his entire seven-year playing career (1992-1998) in Calgary. He both began and bookended his career as a Grey Cup champion, capturing the CFL's most prestigious prize in 1992 and 1998.

York Director, Athletics Alex Dominato believes Knox's hire is indicative of the culture shift that is being cultivated within the program.

"Greg has been a successful university student-athlete, professional athlete, professional business operator and extremely successful coach," Dominato said. "His care, passion and knowledge is evident and I look forward to seeing him coach and mentor our young men to new heights on the football field, in the classroom and in the community. We are going places we have not been to under this new foundation of leadership."

Knox's first foray into professional coaching came as the linebackers coach with the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in 2015, before serving as the defensive backs coach of the Ottawa REDBLACKS from 2020-2021. 

In between his stops in the professional ranks, the former Laurier Golden Hawk and 1991 Yates Cup champion embarked on a third stint at McMaster where, along with defensive coordinator responsibilities, held his first head coaching job. Knox served first as the interim head coach in 2016 before assuming full-time duties from 2017-2018. Knox then headed west to join the Alberta Golden Bears as their defensive coordinator in 2019.

Janke says Knox's nearly two decades of experience will prove invaluable as the Lions aim to foster an identity focused on hard-nosed defensive football.

"Greg is one of the most experienced defensive coaches in Canada and considered by many a defensive expert," Janke said. "His lived experience in winning environments as a player and coach is an immeasurable asset to our program. The most valuable variable in hiring Greg is his commitment to mentoring coaches and players. Greg's genuine approach as a teacher, leveraging the game of football to teach our student-athletes valuable life lessons aligns greatly with our commitment to excellence.

"We expect our defence will have an aggressive style of play. This will happen by developing a strong understanding of their role responsibilities, and also understanding how the offensive side of the ball approaches the game. This style of play combined with a strong understanding of situational football will make all areas of our team better."

As announced on Wednesday, Knox's first game as defensive coordinator will be Aug. 31 when the Lions open the 2024 season hosting the Ottawa Gee-Gees.