For just the second time this century, the University of Northern Iowa is searching for a head football coach. Here are some potential candidates.

Farley is the winningest football coach in UNI and Missouri Valley Football Conference history, with a total of 182 wins under his belt.

Mark Farley, Northern Iowa’s head football coach since 2001, announced Sunday he will retire at the end of the season. The Panthers are 2-8 and the midst of an eight-game losing skid. They play at Youngstown State on Saturday and close the season Nov. 23 at home against Indiana State.

Maybe we've lost the sight of what the purpose of college athletics is," Farley said. "For me, that's giving Iowa farm kids the chance to go play college football and get a college degree."

CEDAR FALLS — University of Northern Iowa head football coach Mark Farley announced on Sunday his intention to retire at the conclusion of the 2024 season. Farley will continue to coach the Panthers for the remainder of the season with his final contest coming in the season finale against Indiana State on November 23 in

“From the first time I met Mark and every other meeting, the thing that has stood out about him, one, is his tenacity,” University of Northern Iowa president Mark Nook said. “It shows. He is a very tenacious person. He cares deeply about this institution and has from the very beginning.

After 24 seasons as the UNI head coach, Mark Farley has announced his intention to retire at the end of the 2024 season.