Knox College Football Adds Patrick Haynes to Staff, Promotes Wes Graham

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Patrick Haynes joins the Prairie Fire football staff after coaching the defensive backs at the University of Mary in 2017.

Haynes’ will be the co-defensive coordinator with a focus on defensive backs for the Prairie Fire.

“We are excited to have Pat join our staff at Knox,” said head coach Damon Tomeo. “His combination of defensive backs coaching background, special teams knowledge, and D3 recruiting experience should help our football program continue to improve as we move into the 2018 season.”

Haynes has previously worked as the special teams coordinator, recruiting coordinator, and defensive backs coach at St. Olaf College in Minnesota, a stop that will prove very valuable in working at Knox. Other stops include University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and Black Hills State.

“I am very grateful to Head Coach Damon Tomeo and Director of Athletics Daniella Irle for the opportunity to join Coach Tomeo’s staff and the Knox football family,” said Haynes. “Knox has a proud tradition of producing quality student-athletes both in the classroom and on the field. I am excited to be able to work with them on a daily basis.”

Haynes earned a Bachelor’s degree in Human Services from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh in 2013 and a master’s degree in Strategic Leadership from Black Hills State University in 2015. Haynes is a native of Pardeeville, Wisconsin.

Irle said, “We would like to welcome Pat to Knox College. His wealth of experience and knowledge will help our football team continue to have success on and off the field.”

Along with the hiring of Haynes, Coach Tomeo announced the reorganization of the coaching staff highlighted by promoting Wes Graham to Assistant Head Coach.

“Wes has been instrumental in our success over the last few years,” said Tomeo. “His work ethic and knowledge of the game is an asset to our program and this is a well-deserved promotion.”

Graham is entering his fifth season on the Prairie Fire coaching staff and worked extensively with record-setting quarterback Matt McCaffrey for four years.

“I am honored for the promotion to Assistant Head Coach and appreciate the trust and respect from Coach Tomeo and the staff,” said Graham. “From the beginning, it has felt like I have been a part of one big family here at Knox. It is a privilege to work alongside so many excellent coaches. I am excited for what’s to come.”

2018 Prairie Fire Football Coaching staff:

Head Coach: Damon Tomeo
Assistant Head Coach/Quarterbacks: Wes Graham
Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line: Cory Bonstead
Co-Defensive Coordinator/Defensive Backs: Pat Haynes
Assistant Coach/Defensive Line: Dave McKillip
Assistant Coach/Running Backs: Bill Allison
Assistant Coach/Wide Receivers: Adam Ries
Assistant Coach/Linebackers: Adam Kiefer
Assistant Coach/Character: Tanner Smith
Strength and Conditioning Coach: Andy Gibbons
Assistant Athletic Trainer: Michael Montes

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