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| Lawrence athletics photo |
Adam Gonzaga has been named the new head coach of the Prairie Fire, Knox athletics announced today. Gonzaga is the 32nd head coach in program history, bringing a vision focused on relationships, long-term development, and sustained program building. He officially starts on January 12.
Gonzaga spent this past season at Lawrence, which gave him just six months as head coach before moving on. Prior to that, he had been an assistant coach at Lake Forest. Both Lake Forest and Lawrence are in the Midwest Conference, the same conference as Knox.
"Knox football has always been built on people, relationships, and a deep sense of commitment, and Adam Gonzaga embodies all three. He leads with a personal touch, investing in real relationships with student-athletes, families, and alumni in a way that builds trust and connection over time," vice president and athletic directory Justin Newell said. "He understands that recruiting is about more than talent and believes consistency and long-term program building are essential to honoring the proud history of Knox Football."
Gonzaga replaces Aaron Willits, who stepped down in November after five season as head coach. The Prairie Fire were 16-32 overall and 14-30 in the Midwest Conference in those five seasons, and 2-7 in 2025.
A proud graduate of Azusa Pacific, Gonzaga brings a proven track record of success. Over more than three decades in college football, he has consistently built disciplined, competitive defenses while prioritizing the holistic development of student-athletes.
"I am incredibly honored for the opportunity to lead the Knox College football program," Gonzaga said. "Knox has a strong academic tradition, a proud history, and a community that believes in developing young men the right way. I am excited to get to work, developing something special together, rooted in hard work, accountability, and with an absolute commitment to excellence on and off the field."
Gonzaga is widely recognized for his defensive expertise, with a career defined by preparation, adaptability, and competitive consistency across multiple levels of college football.
At Lake Forest, as associate head coach and defensive coordinator, his defense earned seven national rankings and helped the team to a 10-0 regular season, advancing to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.
"Coach Adam Gonzaga was instrumental in our 2024 Midwest Conference championship at Lake Forest College, bringing exceptional defensive acumen and preparation to our program. More importantly, he is a transformational coach who leads with authenticity, accountability, and care for his players," Lake Forest head football coach Jim Catanzaro said. "As a former player and a colleague of his, I've seen firsthand his tenacity as a recruiter and the strong moral compass that guides his work every day. Knox College is gaining a tremendous leader and educator who will positively impact their football program and campus community. He will raise the Prairie Fire stock in the Midwest Conference."
Gonzaga brings more than three decades of college coaching experience across all three NCAA divisions, including defensive leadership roles at the U.S. Naval Academy, Northwood University, and Saginaw Valley State. His background developing disciplined, competitive teams and student-athletes at every level aligns with Knox's commitment to long-term development and sustained program building.