ROLLA, Mo. — Missouri S&T Athletics has welcomed Kirby Cannon back to the department as its new Assistant Athletic Director for Facilities and Game Operations.

Cannon returns to Missouri S&T following a 42-year career in college football coaching, including 11 seasons as the Miners' head coach. His coaching career also included stops at the NCAA Division I level at Iowa State, Central Michigan, Western Illinois, and Austin Peay State.

"We are very excited to have Kirby rejoining our staff," said Director of Athletics Mark Mullin. "I know Kirby well and have worked with him in the past. His experience, work ethic and knowledge of our programs will be an asset to our department. I am confident in Kirby's ability to communicate effectively, and I have no doubt he will be a great addition to our team."

During his previous tenure at S&T, Cannon guided the Miners to several milestones, including the program's first winning season in more than 20 years in 2005. The Miners followed that season with another winning campaign in 2006, marking the program's first back-to-back winning seasons in more than two decades.

Cannon was named Division II Independent Coach of the Year twice while with S&T and led the Miners to win the Great Lakes Football Conference championship in 2008.

In his new role, Cannon will oversee facilities and game operations for Missouri S&T Athletics, working to support the successful execution of athletic events and provide a positive experience for student-athletes, coaches, fans and visitors.

"Missouri S&T represents what is right in college athletics — a great education and a positive experience while playing intercollegiate athletics," said Cannon. "I am excited about the opportunity to represent the University again and hope to contribute to the advancement of the Athletic Department."

Cannon began his coaching career following his playing days at Missouri State University, where he competed in both football and baseball. He earned his bachelor's degree from Missouri State in 1981 before earning a master's degree from Iowa State University in 1985.

Cannon was inducted into the Missouri State University Athletic Hall of Fame in 2010.

Sign up for our email blast at https://minerathletics.com/subscribe.aspx
Follow Miners Sports on X, Facebook, & Instagram at @minersports