Walden was named the Prairie Fire head men's basketball coach in August of 2012.

GALESBURG — Knox College announced Tuesday that Kevin Walden has resigned his position as head men's basketball coach effective immediately.

"We wish Kevin the best of luck in his future endeavors," said Director of Athletics Daniella Irle. "He has served his alma mater faithfully for over a decade. You will not find a coach that cares more about his players. A national search for his replacement will begin immediately."

Walden was named the Prairie Fire head men's basketball coach in August of 2012. He inherited a program that won just nine games in the four previous seasons and during the 2017-18 season led the team to seven victories, the most in a decade.

Walden graduated from Knox in 2001 after a four-year career in which he was a two-year starter, a captain during his senior year, a two-time team most valuable player, the most valuable offensive player, the most valuable senior, and received the Harley Knosher Award. He started at forward for the 1999-2000 Knox team that finished second in the Midwest Conference with a 10-6 league record and a 15-8 overall mark.

After his playing career, Walden assisted long-time coach Tim Heimann for five seasons as an assistant coach. He also served as the college's sports information director during that time. In 2006, Walden became the associate head men's basketball coach at St. Ambrose University.

After two years with the Bees, Walden was named head men's basketball coach at Warren Wilson College. He turned around a program that had eight wins in the previous five years before returning to Knox in 2012.