Contact: Scott Holland, Knox College Athletic Communications, sholland@knox.edu
GALESBURG, Illinois -- Adam Gonzaga has been named the new head coach of the Knox College Prairie Fire football program, Knox College Athletics announced on Friday. 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.
“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 Director of Athletics 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, a proud graduate of Azusa Pacific University, 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. Most recently, he served as head football coach at Lawrence University.
“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 College, 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.
“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 its football program and campus community. He will raise the Prairie Fire's stock in the Midwest Conference.”
Gonzaga brings college coaching experience across all three NCAA divisions, including defensive leadership roles at Stanford, the U.S. Naval Academy, Northwood University and Saginaw Valley State.