Head Football Coach

Knox College invites applications for the full-time position of Head Football Coach, a 12-month, benefits-eligible position reporting to the Director of Athletics. Anticipated start date is January 2025. 

The Head Football Coach will be an essential leader in advancing the mission and values of Prairie Fire Athletics—building a championship-caliber NCAA Division III program that develops student-athletes of character, fosters belonging and growth, and competes with purpose. This position is a vital part of our collective effort to align who we are, how we lead, and what results we deliver—on and off the field.

Knox College provides a competitive salary and a strong benefit package including health, dental, vision and life insurance; access to a retirement plan; a generous paid vacation and holiday package; free membership to our recreation center; and more. Tuition remission is also available after a two-year waiting period. 

A proud member of the Midwest Conference (MWC) and NCAA Division III, Knox College is a vibrant community of scholar-teachers and students with a long-standing tradition of free inquiry, independent thought, and diverse perspectives. We are committed to providing an education that transforms lives through challenge, support, and discovery. Preparing students for meaningful lives and purposeful leadership.

Knox College is consistently recognized for academic excellence, access, and value. U.S. News & World Report lists Knox among the nation’s Best Value Schools (#22, 2025). Washington Monthly ranks Knox #37 for its commitment to the public good, and Colleges That Change Lives has featured Knox in every edition since 1996.

At Knox, we seek challenge-seeking student-athletes, individuals who are eager to grow, compete, and contribute. Prairie Fire athletes embrace hard work, thrive in diverse environments, and lead with resilience. They represent more than 100 communities across the nation and globe, united by a shared commitment to self-improvement, academic success, and competitive excellence. With strong institutional support and an energized alumni base, Prairie Fire Athletics is positioned for continued growth and success.

Responsibilities

The Head Coach is responsible for leading all aspects of the Knox College Football Program, including but not limited to:

• Lead, develop, and inspire a competitive and values-based football program aligned with the mission of Prairie Fire Athletics.

• Recruit and retain student-athletes who demonstrate academic commitment, personal integrity, and competitive excellence.

• Cultivate a team culture that values belonging, accountability, and continuous improvement.

• Plan, organize, and supervise practices, contests, and team travel with attention to student-athlete development and safety.

• Manage the program’s operating budget responsibly, aligning resources with strategic goals and departmental priorities.

• Collaborate across campus with partners in Athletics, Admissions, and Student Development to advance shared goals in enrollment, student experience, and community engagement.

• Promote the program through alumni, fan, and community outreach, digital storytelling, and social media presence.

• Support departmental fundraising initiatives in partnership with the K Club and Athletics leadership.

• Ensure compliance with all institutional, Midwest Conference, and NCAA regulations.

• Model professionalism, care, and high standards in all aspects of leadership, mentoring, and communication.
  
  

This position supervises three full-time assistant coaches, as well as three part-time assistant coaches, student workers, and volunteer assistants. Additional responsibilities may be assigned based on the candidate’s strengths and may include teaching in the Sports Studies program or assisting with game operations.

Required Qualifications:   

• Bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university

• 3 or more years collegiate Football coaching experience 

• Evidence of the ability to plan, organize, and administer training strategies for practice and game implementation (such as the design of workouts and long-term training plans)

• Valid Driver's License

• Excellent interpersonal and written communication skills

• Ability to work independently and manage multiple tasks and projects

• An appreciation for a residential liberal arts education, respect for individual differences, openness to the values and opinions of others, and flexibility to adapt to constant change

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1 or more seasons experience as a collegiate head Football coach

• 4 or more seasons experience coaching collegiate Football

• 2 or more seasons NCAA Football recruiting experience 

• Experience with recruiting database Front Rush (or similar database)

• Experience hosting collegiate Football camps

• Experience building alumni and fan engagement and fundraising

• Experience with social media and overall promotion of the athletics program

Notice of Non-Discrimination 

In keeping with its commitment to equal rights since it was founded in 1837, Knox

College particularly welcomes applications from members of underrepresented groups.

Knox College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, pregnancy, gender identity or

expression, race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, religion or religious affiliation,

sexual orientation or preference, age, marital or family status, disability, veteran

status, or other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law in admission,

financial aid, employment, athletics, or any other aspect of its educational programs or

activities. In addition, Knox College is prohibited by Title IX of the Education

Amendments of 1972 and its accompanying regulations from so discriminating on the

basis of sex.

The College official responsible for coordinating compliance with this Notice of Non-

Discrimination is the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance. Any inquiries

regarding Title IX or the College 's policies that prohibit discrimination and harassment

should be directed to the Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance identified

below. The coordinator will be available to meet with or talk to students, staff, and

faculty regarding issues relating to this Notice of Non-Discrimination and the College’s

policies and procedures.

Director of Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance

Old Jail 12 | Campus Box K-209

337 South Cherry Street

Galesburg, IL 61401

Phone: 309-341-7751

Email: cultureofrespect@knox.edu

Inquiries about the application of Title IX to Knox may be referred to the Director of

Title IX and Civil Rights Compliance, the United States Department of Education’s

Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, or both. Individuals may also contact the U.S.

Department of Education’s Office of Civil Rights for additional information.

Office for Civil Rights

U.S. Department of Education-Chicago Office

Email: ocr@ed.gov

 Inquiries regarding the College’s policies regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (“ADA”), or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (“Section 504”) should be directed to either the Human Resources Manager or Director of Disability Support Services identified below.

For Employees:

 Human Resources

Administrative Services Bldg - 112 | Campus Box K-200

2 East South Street

Galesburg, IL 61401

Phone: 309-341-7474

Email: hr@knox.edu

For Students:

Director of Disability Support Services

Stephanie Grimes

Umbeck Science and Math Center E111 | Campus Box K183

340 South West Street

Phone: 309-341-7478

Email: sgrimes@knox.edu