After five seasons leading the Prairie Fire, Knox College football head coach Aaron Willits announced his resignation.
“At this point in my life, priorities have shifted,” Willits said. “With a professional change for my wife that we could not turn down, I am needed at home as a husband and father now more than I have up to this point in my life.
“Everything I have done since graduating high school has been impacted by my experience as a student-athlete and now as a professional at Knox College. Like my fellow alumni, my life has been changed by Knox. As I step down as head coach, I want to thank the college for supporting me in our efforts to move the football program forward, and I look forward to continuing to grow the program as an alum.”
Willits, a member of the Knox Class of 2008, led the program to a 16-32 overall record and a 14-30 mark in the Midwest Conference. Under his tenure, nine Prairie Fire players earned 12 all-conference honors, including first-team selections Charlie Gibbons (offensive line, 2022) and quarterback Kaile Williams (2023). At least 40 others garnered Academic All–Midwest Conference honors a combined 62 times, with this year’s honorees still to be named.
“We support Coach Willits through this difficult decision, respect and admire his commitment to his family, and appreciate his continued dedication to Prairie Fire athletics and the entire Knox community,” President C. Andrew McGadney said.
Hired in February 2021, Willits guided Knox to its best record in 20 years in just his second season, going 5-5 overall and 4-5 in league play. In 2024, Knox opened the season with a win in the Lincoln Bowl against Eureka, its first victory in the rivalry since 2017.
“Coach Willits is not only a wonderful example of a Knox College alumnus, he also understands, appreciates and believes in Prairie Fire athletics and Knox College more than most anyone I know,” said Justin Newell, vice president and director of athletics. “He helped build the largest football rosters in college history, reconnected football alumni across decades, and served as a true Knox ambassador to the Galesburg community. His legacy will be felt for years to come.”
Willits began his coaching career at Knox after graduation. He served as recruiting coordinator for two years, then coached the offensive line in his first season and running backs in his second. He later spent nine years on the staff at Concordia College (Minn.), helping the team post a 62-28 record, including a 48-24 mark in the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference.
As a Prairie Fire player, Willits earned All–Midwest Conference honors as a senior, rushing for 648 yards in eight games. He was voted the team’s most valuable offensive player in 2007. He rushed 377 times for 1,626 yards in his college career (12th all time at Knox), caught 18 passes for 119 yards and scored 11 touchdowns.
A national search for Willits’ replacement will begin immediately, according to college officials.
