CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — University of Northern Iowa head football coach Mark Farley announced that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season.

“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.

With 182 victories, Farley has the most wins in UNI and Missouri Valley Football Conference history. Farley has seven MVFC Championships, two MVFC Coach of the Year awards, and is recognized as the 2007 FCS National Coach of the Year.

“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.”

The Waukon, Iowa native joined the Panthers as a walk-on linebacker in 1982, leading the team in tackles in his final three seasons and was the 1985 MVFC Co-Defensive Player of the Year. He later began his coaching career as a graduate assistant under Darrell Mudra in 1987, then working under Earle Bruce in that same capacity in 1988. He was promoted to linebackers coach under Terry Allen in 1989, beginning the program’s rise to national prominence. After spending four years with Allen at the University of Kansas, Farley returned to Cedar Falls as head coach in 2001.

Megan Franklin, UNI Director of Athletics, indicated that a national search will take place to fill the head coaching position. Neither Franklin nor the university will comment on the search process until a successor to Farley has 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.

Farley has a 182-111 overall record across his 24 seasons as UNI’s head coach. That record includes four wins over FBS programs, with three victories over Iowa State.

During his time UNI players were named AP All-America selections 83 times, plus 10 Academic All-American honorees. Farley also sent 41 players to the National Football League.

“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.” 

His final contest will be the season finale of UNI vs. Indiana State on November 23rd at the UNI-Dome.