“Getting to see athletes grow up has been the best part.” — Andy Gibbons

After 35 years with Knox College athletics, longtime strength and conditioning coach and former head football coach Andy Gibbons is retiring, closing a chapter that has shaped decades of Prairie Fire athletes.

Gibbons first came to Knox after graduating from Culver-Stockton College, where he worked as a student assistant. “I just approached the head coach to ask about joining the staff, and I’ve worn many hats ever since,” he said.

Closing a chapter

Over the years, Gibbons served in nearly every role within the football program. He said his decision to retire comes from looking at life in chapters. “After 35 years in different roles, it just felt like it was time,” he said.

Though stepping down from Knox, Gibbons plans to stay active in sports, helping with high school football and substitute teaching at ROWVA High School. He also hopes to remain a familiar face at Prairie Fire events.

More than wins and losses

Gibbons measures his career through relationships, not championships.

“Getting to see athletes grow up has been the best part,” he said. “And of course, when my son came here to play football—that was really special.” Charlie Gibbons was a member of the Prairie Fire from 2018 to 2022.

Passing the torch

For Knox’s current head football coach, Aaron Willits, Gibbons’ influence was life-changing.

Gibbons relinquished his head coaching duties in 2009 but later encouraged Willits, a former player and member of the Class of 2008, to return and lead the program.

“He’s almost like a second father,” Willits said. “When I was a player, he instilled the Knox motto—‘always work hard, never give up, culture over scheme, right here right now.’ Later, as a coach, his mentorship shaped me, and now that relationship has become more of a friendship and partnership.”

Willits also emphasized the deep trust Gibbons placed in him. “He gave me the opportunity to return to do what I loved, and he’s bestowed his confidence in me to take care of the program moving forward,” Willits said. “He loves Knox more than anybody.”

While Gibbons’ retirement will leave a hole, Willits sees it as another passing of the torch. “From Knosher (1960–2000) to Gibbons (1990–2026), and now from Gibbons to me—it’s the lasting impact of Knox College that gets passed on to future generations.”

An enduring legacy

Gibbons’ tenure with the college will officially end on June 1, 2026.

His departure, Willits said, will be felt across the department—but Gibbons’ influence will continue to shape the next generation of Prairie Fire athletes.

Knox College student Mason Cougill wrote this story as part of a collaboration between Galesburg Community News and the Knox College journalism program. The partnership gives students hands-on experience reporting local stories for the community.