Ithaca, NY -- Cornell University on Friday named Jim Knowles the 25th head football coach in school history. The official announcement will be made at an afternoon press conference.

Knowles, who graduated from Cornell in 1987, spent nine seasons as an assistant coach at his alma mater (1988-96). The Big Red captured Ivy League titles in 1988 and 1990.

"I am extremely excited to have the opportunity to return to my alma mater as Cornell's 25th head coach of football," Knowles said. "It is no secret among my closest friends that this opportunity represents my lifelong career ambition. I can't wait to get started."

This past season, Knowles was linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator at the University of Mississippi. Prior to accepting the job at Ole Miss, Knowles spent six seasons at Western Michigan University.

Knowles was a three-year letter winner at defensive end as a player for Cornell and earned All-Ivy honors and honorable mention All-Eastern College Athletic Conference accolades in 1986. The 38-year-old graduated in 1987 with a bachelor's degree from the School of Industrial and Labor Relations.

He replaces Tim Pendergast, who compiled a 7-22 record, including a 5-16 mark in the Ivy League.