Rob Purlee, Head Coach
Years at Knox: 2006 to present

Education
M.S., 2006, Western Illinois University
B.A., 2004, Monmouth College

Experience
Rob Purlee joined the Prairie Fire men's basketball coaching staff as an assistant in 2006. He was named the associate head coach in October 2007 and replaced Tim Heimann as the Prairie Fire head coach at the conclusion of the 2007-08 season. Purlee arrived at Knox after spending two seasons as an assistant football and basketball coach at Monmouth College.

With the Monmouth basketball team, Purlee implemented a strength and conditioning program and was responsible for scouting the opposition. He coached the perimeter players and handled some on-floor coaching duties. Purlee was the quarterbacks coach for the Fighting Scots football program, and coached the top-ranked passer in NCAA Division III in 2005. Monmouth won the 2005 Midwest Conference championship.

A 2004 Monmouth graduate, Purlee was a four-year starting quarterback and two-time team captain of the Fighting Scots football team. He was also a three-year starter and senior captain with the basketball team. Purlee earned his M.S. in sport management from Western Illinois University in 2006.

Contact Information
309-341-7193
jpurlee@knox.edu

Jakye Ayers, Assistant Coach
Years at Knox: 2007 to present

Education
B.A., 2006, Knox College

Experience
Jake Ayers joined the Knox College men's basketball coaching staff in 2007-08. The 2006 Knox graduate played baseball for the Prairie Fire and was a two-time Midwest Conference All-South Division first team selection. Ayers was a member of two Elite Eight basketball teams at Farmington High School.