Gilbert was a standout athlete at Horseheads High School[2] where he earned All-Twin-Tier honors [3] before attending Hamilton College in Clinton, New York.
[6] After Albany, Gilbert became the assistant offensive line and recruiting coordinator at the University of Pennsylvania for 1989 and 1990 under head coach Gary Steele.
In 1991, Barry Gallup and the Huskies hired Gilbert as their offensive line coach and recruiting coordinator.
In 2009, Gilbert was hired by Ron Zook as the Illini's offensive line coach.
Gilbert coached the offensive line at the University of Arizona[13] in 2018,[14] while also having the title of run game coordinator.
[17] Joe and his wife, Cheryl, have one daughter, Madison, and three sons, Nicholas, Joseph and Timothy.