UNI football coach Farley's final chapter

The Northern Iowa legend leaves a legacy

Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley gave his all to the university since he first put on a Panther uniform in 1982.

But after a 40-year association with the school — including the last 24 seasons as the head coach — Farley announced this week that he’s retiring at the end of this year.

There’s much to be said of the nicknamed “Walk-on from Waukon,” who 182-111 record entering today’s game at Youngstown State.

Northern Iowa football coach Mark Farley has announced his retirement, effective at the end of the 2024 season. (Photo courtesy of Andy Saigh/Northern Iowa Athletics.)

Farley built a successful program known for competitive players, a handful of future NFL athletes and truly created a culture beyond the wins on the field.

His final game is against Indiana State Nov. 23 at the UNI-Dome in Cedar Falls.

Farley won seven conference titles and led the Panthers to the 2005 FCS championship game. His teams also beat Iowa State three times in his career.

"It has been a great honor to be part of the Panther family for over 40 years," Farley said in a statement. "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.”

Farley referred to Northern Iowa football as a family to him. I think that’s true. There seemed to be a special relationship between the coach, players and community that you don’t always see in college sports.