Aaron Gonzales is in his second season as a defensive graduate assistant at Illinois in 2021.

Gonzales helped coach one of the best defensive turnarounds in the nation in 2021, helping Illinois to a 5-7 record and ranked wins over #7 Penn State and #20 Minnesota. Illinois' scoring defense (31st from 97th), third down defense (31st from 89th), and total defense (52nd from 114th) all improved more than 50 spots in the nation rankings from 2020. The Illini made massive gains in the Big Ten defensive rankings, as well, jumping 9+ spots in scoring defense (4th from 14th), touchdowns allowed (t-3rd from 14th), yards allowed per game (5th from 14th), and passing yards allowed per game (1st from 10th). 

Gonzales came to Illinois from Florida Atlantic, where he spent three seasons as a defensive student assistant. During his time with the Owls, FAU won the 2017 and 2019 Conference USA titles and appeared in the Boca Raton Bowl both years.  While at FAU, the team finished first in the NCAA in defensive interceptions with 22 and first in defensive takeaways with 33. Gonzales helped coach Meiko Dotson, the NCAA’s leader in interceptions in 2019 who had nine interceptions.

Gonzales began his career while living in South Florida at Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, where he coached the defensive backs and wide receivers for three seasons. Following Marjorie Stoneman Douglas, Gonzales became an offensive coordinator at Piper High School in Sunrise, Florida, where he helped lead the team to a 9-2 record.

Gonzales graduated from Florida Atlantic in 2019 with a degree in business management. Aaron and his girlfriend Alissa began dating in November 2018.

Coaching Career