GALESBURG, Ill. ­— Knox College Head Football Coach Aaron Willits today announced the hiring of three new assistant coaches for his staff — Adam Taylor, Derek Brown and Eric Farbes. Taylor will coach the defensive line, Brown the offensive line and Farbes the defensive backs.

"I am excited to bring three young men to our staff who come from winning programs and I personally know to be terrific individuals," Willits said. "They know what it takes to develop successful players both on and off the field, and our student-athletes will benefit greatly from the knowledge and energy they bring to the table."

Taylor comes to Knox after serving two years as the defensive line coach as a graduate assistant at his alma mater, Concordia University-Wisconsin, developing and implementing the defensive game plan on a weekly basis. Not only was he responsible for all film breakdowns, uploads and exchanges, he also was tasked with monitoring and implementing a study hall for the players. In addition, heserved as the head coach and defensive coordinator for the junior varsity squad.

A 2021 graduate of Concordia-Wisconsin with a degree in sports and entertainment management, Taylor is finishing up his master's of student personnel administration of higher education as well. As a player, he was a team captain and lineman for the Falcons, earning Academic All-District honors as a senior. He began his coaching career as an assistant coach at his high school — Cactus High in Glendale, Arizona — during the 2022 season.

A star offensive lineman at Monmouth College, Brown served as the tight ends coach at Lindsey Wilson College last fall. He directed the scout team, directed the scout team to aid in game preparations, coached various groups of each special teams unit and assisted in the development of a new strength and conditioning program.

Brown is a 2019 graduate of Pekin High School. His local area ties will enhance Willits' commitment to recruiting western Illinois. He graduated from Monmouth with a bachelor's degree in exercise science this past December after being named the Midwest Conference Offensive Lineman of the Year twice during his playing career (2019-23). He was also a four-time all-conference and three-time all-region selection.

Farbes spent the 2024 season coaching the cornerbacks at MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, Kansas, developing a first-team all-conference corner this past fall. The Pioneers won the Heart of America Conference championship and advanced to the second round of the NAIA playoffs.

A 2023 graduate of Southwestern College in Winfield, Kansas, Farbes earned his degree in physical performance and sports studies. The Moundbuilders won two Kansas Collegiate Athletic Conference championships during his time on the roster.