Quincy, Ill. (Dec. 13, 2023) – Quincy University Athletic Director Josh Rabe announced today that head football coach Gary Bass has resigned and accepted the head football coaching position at the University of Virginia's College at Wise.

"This has been the most difficult decision I have ever had to make. For twelve years, Quincy has been home for my family and I. The decision to leave Quincy came down to being closer to my hometown and family. It was an honor to be the head football coach here and I can't thank everyone enough for the support for over a decade."

Bass spent seven years as the skipper of the Hawks' football team, with a team record of 6-5 during the 2023 season. Bass has coached 72 All-GLVC honorees in his head coach tenure at Quincy University, including Cody Leonard, who won GLVC Defensive Player of the Year and was a D2CCA All-American, D2Football.com All-American; Don Hansen, All-American; and B.J. Wilson, who was Quincy's first NFL signee and is currently signed with the Houston Roughnecks of the XFL.

Prior to his time as QU head coach, Bass served for five years as the Hawks' assistant coach, focusing his time on his roles as offensive coordinator and as strength and conditioning coach. The Hawks broke 16 school offensive records while he led the offense. He became the interim head coach prior to the 2017 season and was promoted to head coach in November 2017.

"I want to thank Coach Bass for his years of service at Quincy University," said Rabe. "He has been a great representative of our institution and has always honored the values of this Catholic and Franciscan institution. We wish him the best of luck as he and his family return to the Southeast."

Like Quincy University, UVA Wise is a member of NCAA Division II. UVA Wise is a member of the South Atlantic Conference.

A national search is being conducted to find Quincy University's next head football coach.