Aaron Willits, a 2008 Knox graduate who returned to his alma mater as head coach in 2021, has resigned as head football coach at Knox College after five seasons to focus on his family.
“At this point in my life, priorities have shifted. 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,” Willits said in a news release. “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.”
Knox ended its 2025 season at 2-7 overall and 2-6 in the Midwest Conference.
During Willits’ tenure (2021–2025), the Prairie Fire posted a 16-32 overall record and 14-30 in the Midwest Conference. The 2022 team went 5-5, the program’s best mark in 20 years. In 2024, Knox opened the season with a victory in the Lincoln Bowl versus Eureka for the first time since 2017.
Nine players earned a total of 12 all-conference honors, including first-team selections Charlie Gibbons (OL) in 2022 and Kaile Williams (QB) in 2023. More than 40 players combined for 62 Academic All-Midwest Conference selections (2025 honorees still pending).
“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,” said President C. Andrew McGadney.
“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,” stated Vice President and Director of Athletics Justin Newell. “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 was hired in February 2021 after nine seasons on staff at Concordia College (Minn.), where the Cobbers posted a 62-28 record. A former Knox running back, he earned All-Midwest Conference honors in 2007 and still ranks 12th in career rushing yards at the college.
A national search for Willits’ successor will begin immediately.
