Northern Iowa has announced that 2024 will be the final season under legendary head coach Mark Farley.
Farley, who spent time as an assistant at Kansas before returning to take over the reigns at his alma mater in 2001, has enjoyed a remarkable run leading the Panthers.
He led the program to a mark of 182-111 over the past 24 seasons, collecting two MVFC Coach of the Year honors and led the Panthers to the FCS National Title game in 2005.
UNI finished in the FCS top 25 a total of 16 different times under Farley and notched an incredible 29 wins over top 10 opponents during his tenure.
His impact on the program was felt immediately, leading the team to a playoff run and trip to the semis in his first season.
In his 13 times leading the Panthers to the FCS playoff, they had first-round exits just twice (2010 and 2021).
Farley retires as not only the winningest coach in UNI history, but also the winningest head coach in the history of the prestigious Missouri Valley Conference.
UNI is 2-8 this season, and will come up short of punching their ticket to the postseason for the first time since 2021.
Director of athletics Megan Franklin indicated in the school's release that a national search will commence at the end of the season for a new leader.
The season finale for the Panthers will take place in Youngstown Ohio against the Penguins on Saturday, where UNI has the opportunity to end an 8-game losing streak and send Farley out on top.
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.