Cory Bonstead returns for his 11th season in 2020 as the associate head football coach, offensive coordinator/offensive line coach, and associate head strength and conditioning coach. Bonstead is in his second coaching stint with the Prairie Fire after previously serving as the offensive line coach from 2006-2007, assistant defensive backs coach in 2005, and assistant offensive line/tight ends coach in 2004. He's spent 15 of his 17 years coaching football at Knox. Cory is a 2004 graduate of Knox and played football for the Prairie Fire as well. 

1. What do you love most about your job?          
The relationships built with our players. The interactions around the offices and pasta dinners (of course!) and working with them daily help them grow and achieve more on and off the field. There's no better feeling or prouder moment than seeing our players be at their very best on and off the field.

2. How has your experience coaching changed over time? 
The technology being brought into coaching is incredible. When I started, I broke down film for Coach Gibbons in a dark room, watching VHS tapes, and entering data into a hand-held PDA.        We had to mail off VHS tapes for video exchange, and guys had to come over to the offices if they wanted to watch any film. Hudl (digital web-based) has been such a game-changer on the tech side for coaches and just ease of access for players and coaches. 

3. What do you love about Knox?         
That's what I think is so amazing about Knox is that it is still the people here. I love the athletes I get to work! Beyond that, from faculty to staff to administration, there are so many people here that want to help you and see you succeed. I tell people all the time that what sets Knox apart from anywhere else is the people.

4. How has your coaching style changed with different generations of students?          
Our players teach me so much. As a young coach, I use to think yelling was the way to do it, and it definitely is not. My focus has shifted to let's be problem solvers. Let's pinpoint the issue,      fix it, and get back after it.
 
5. What is one tip you would give an incoming FY?
Stay focused on making the best use of your time and be open to the new experiences that Knox is going to bring your way

6. If you could coach any sport (that you do not already coach), what would it be?         Rugby

7. If you could coach/work anywhere in the world, where would it be?         Scotland
 
Heading into his 11th, Bonstead said, "I'm so excited to get back to work with our guys. We've got such an incredible group of dynamic players in our upperclassmen, and to put that with a great group of freshmen coming in is really exciting. When it's time for us to go, we'll be ready to go, and we're going to be a lot of fun to watch."
 
Bonstead is an essential member of our department and football program. "Cory is such a pleasure to work with every day. His 'can-do' attitude is infectious, and he is the kind of colleague we should aspire to be," said Director of Athletics, Daniella Irle. "He has the E+R=O (Event + Response = Outcome) mindset. He takes responsibility for his reactions to circumstances and spends his time and energy on solving the problem rather than lamenting the problem. I am proud to call him a colleague, and he certainly makes us better."