Rob Conner is in his 30th year as the head cross country and track & field coach at the University of Portland. During his time here, the Pilots have earned national recognition as one of the most consistent distance running forces among NCAA Division I competition.

2014 marked the most successful season for the Pilots men's cross country team. Conner guided Portland to a 3rd place finish at the 2014 NCAA National Championships in Terre Haute, Ind. This was the first podium finish in program history and was the eighth year in a row that the Pilots placed in the top 14; a feat that has only been accomplished by three other schools. 
 
Conner has helped guide the Pilots to 34 West Coast Conference cross country titles. The men also have 17 NCAA Cross Country Championships appearances, including six top 10 finishes.