The Knox College football program began new management, starting Jan. 12, when Adam Gonzaga was hired as the new head coach. 

Coach Gonzaga, with over three decades of coaching experience in all three NCAA divisions, brings “a vision focused on relationships, long-term development, and sustained program building,” according to a statement within the bio linked above. 

In 2024, as associate head coach and defensive coordinator at Lake Forest College, Coach Gonzaga led a defense that earned numerous national rankings, contributing to an undefeated regular season and a Midwest Conference Championship. He served as the head coach at Lawrence University in the 2025 season.

After the Prairie Fire football team finished 2-7 this season — the team has not had a winning record since 2002 — the program looks to Coach Gonzaga to turn things around. 

Knox football players have noticed a shift in the team’s outlook and determination with Gonzaga’s arrival. 

“The culture around the team has been the most dramatic change. It’s not hard to notice that Coach Gonzaga is going to bring a lot of positive change, not only on the field, but in our lives,” junior offensive lineman Kent Putman said. “There’s a vibe around the team that we haven’t had in my time here, and that vibe carries the excitement of spring ball. What used to be dreaded practices is now the start of something special.”

Sophomore defensive back Jaylen Brown spoke of his outlook on the new season and the determination of a program striving to reshape itself with progress and grit. 

“With a new coach, it’s a big change. But we are optimistic about next season. Things are going to be different. We want to create a new identity for ourselves, and we will,” Brown said.

With the term beginning, the spring football season will be in full swing, and the team looks to continue its growth and identity shift under Coach Gonzaga. A program looking for change has begun a new chapter, and players are confident that they will come back stronger than before.