Adam Gonzaga will begin his tenure as head coach of the Prairie Fire football program on Jan. 12, becoming the 32nd head coach in the history of Knox College football.
Gonzaga comes to Knox from Lawrence University, where he most recently served as head football coach. He brings more than 30 years of college coaching experience, primarily on the defensive side of the ball, with coaching stops across all three NCAA divisions.
A graduate of Azusa Pacific University, Gonzaga has held defensive coaching roles at Stanford, the U.S. Naval Academy, Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State.
He also served as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Lake Forest College. During his tenure, Lake Forest defenses earned seven national rankings, helped the team to a 10-0 regular season and advanced to the second round of the NCAA Division III playoffs.
“Coach Adam Gonzaga was instrumental in our 2024 Midwest Conference championship,” Lake Forest head football coach Jim Catanzaro said. “He is a coach who leads with accountability and care for his players.”
Knox Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Newell said Gonzaga’s approach aligns with the program’s priorities.
“Knox football has always been built on people and relationships,” Newell said. “He understands that recruiting is about more than talent and believes consistency and long-term program building are essential.”
“I am honored for the opportunity to lead the Knox College football program,” Gonzaga said. “Knox has a strong academic tradition and a community that believes in developing young men the right way.”
Gonzaga replaces Aaron Willits, who led the Prairie Fire during the 2025 season.
