The Gorillas played their home games on Brandenburg Field in Carnie Smith Stadium in Pittsburg, Kansas, as they have done since 1923.

[2] The Gorillas were led by seventh-year head coach, Tim Beck.

[3] Pittsburg State has been a member of the Mid-America Intercollegiate Athletics Association since 1989.

[4] The Gorillas entered the 2016 season after finishing with a 6–5 record overall and in conference play, under Beck.

[7] On August 22, D2football.com released its Top 25 poll, ranking Pittsburg State 24th.