Knutson resigns as assistant football coach

Knutson is resigning from his responsibilities as an assistant coach at Hamline in order to dedicate more time to his duties as the head boys track coach, head strength coach and chair of the physical education department at Champlin Park High School. While at Champlin Park, he was named Minnesota Physical Education Teacher of the Year in 1997.

Knutson plans to become more active in the Piper football booster club, the End Zone Club. He will also stay connected to the football program in his role as an adjunct professor in physical education at Hamline.

 “Over the 32 years, I have been blessed to work with fantastic student-athletes as well as many tremendous coaches. What I will miss most are the relationships with these fine athletes and coaches. Although the team is losing a coach, the Pipers are gaining a huge fan.” said Knutson. “I am confident that Jim Good is the right coach to lead the Pipers back to the top of the MIAC.”

He began coaching at his alma mater the fall after his graduation in 1977, and has spent his entire coaching career at Hamline, leading the Pipers' "Lead Pipe" defense to conference championships in 1984 and 1988. 

He has been a linebackers coach at Hamline for nearly 25 seasons, working with both inside and outside linebackers. During 24 seasons of his tenure, he served as defensive coordinator - 20 of those under Dick Tressel and 4 under Donovan Larson. His commitment to the Piper community extends to the entire campus, as he has also been an adjunct professor at Hamline for more than two decades.

Knutson has coached ten All-American players, has sent two players to the NFL, and one to the CFL during his time at Hamline.

As a player, Knutson was a standout linebacker at Hamline, earning four letters as well as selected captain and All-Conference. He also was a four-year letter winner and All-Conference selection on the track and field team. Knutson became a member of the Hamline Athletic Hall of Fame in 1999.

“I am very thankful for the help that Bob provided me in my transition to Hamline as I learned about the tradition of Hamline football,” said Good. “"His contributions to our program are unmatched. As far as I’m concerned, Bob’s departure is a sabbatical – he is invited to rejoin our coaching staff at any time.”

Knutson graduated from Hamline in 1977 with a degree in physical education and health. He earned his master's in education from Hamline in 1993. He and his wife, Deb, live in Champlin, Minnesota. They have two daughters, Kristine and Katie.