CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa (KCRG) – After 24 seasons as the UNI head coach, Mark Farley has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2024 season.

Farley will go down as the winningest head coach in UNI and Missouri Valley Conference history with 182 wins. During his time at UNI, Farley also coached his way to seven MVFC Championships, two MVFC Coach of the Year awards, recognition as the 2007 FCS National Coach of the Year, and led the Panthers to an appearance in the 2005 FCS National Championship Game.

In 24 seasons at UNI, Farely’s coaching record was 182-111, including 4 wins over FBS programs and three victories over Iowa State. In the Missouri Valley Conference, his record was 116-65.

Farley also guided the panthers to a top 25 spot in the final FCS Top 25 Rankings 16 times and collected 29 wins over FCS Top 10 opponents. He also coached the panthers to 17 FCS Playoff wins.

During farley’s time as head coach, UNI players were named AP All-America selections 83 times and there were 10 All-America honorees. 41 players went on to play in the NFL.

“It has been a great honor to be part of the Panther family for over 40 years,” Farley said. “For me, UNI Football has always been about setting a standard that goes beyond the game. It has been about a legacy of resilience, pride, hard work and excellence. Watching our players grow into leaders and champions on and off the field and carry that standard with them beyond the football field has been the greatest reward of my career.”

“I’m grateful for every player, coach and supporter who has shared in this journey,” Farley continued. “Together we have built a program that strengthens character and challenges players to go beyond what they thought possible. UNI Football has been more than a team to me; it has been a family. Personally, our family has been blessed with the friendships of so many wonderful people in the community that we are forever thankful for.”

UNI Athletic Director Megan Franklin indicated the search will begin for a successor to Farley. No further comment will be made by the university or Athletic Director until a new head coach has been found and agreed to terms.

“We sincerely appreciate all of the contributions that Coach Farley has made to our university and our community during his 24 seasons leading our football program,” Franklin said. “Even more importantly, Panthers everywhere recognize the positive impact Coach Farley has had on UNI Football. Coach Farley’s legacy is truly reflected in the achievements of the many young men he and his staffs have coached over the years.”

“Coach Farley has a heart for the university,” Franklin said of Farley, a 2012 UNI Athletics Hall of Fame inductee. “The success for Coach is not his own record but what the success of the teams has meant to the greater university and community pride. He will continue to be a valued member of the Panther family in his retirement years.”

“Mark Farley’s tremendous legacy at UNI has been built on hard work and tenacity, characteristics that define him and his teams,” UNI President Mark Nook said. “When we first met, he told me how much the opportunities that he was given as a student, athlete and coach meant to him. He has worked throughout his career to enhance the reputation of UNI and Panther Athletics through his work and his players. We celebrate Mark’s contributions and wish him and his family the very best in his retirement.”

Originally from Waukon, IA, Mark Farley joined the Panthers in 1982 as a walk-on linebacker. After redshirting his first year, he lettered from 1983-86 and led the team in tackles during his final three seasons. He was named the 1985 MVFC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. After college, he began coaching as a graduate assistant under Darrell Mudra in 1987, then Earle Bruce in 1988. He became the linebackers coach under Terry Allen in 1989. After spending four years with Allen at the University of Kansas, Farley returned to Cedar Falls in 2001 as a head coach.

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