Bill Salmon (2001) - Hall of Fame

Bill Salmon

Induction:
2001
Class:
1976

Bill Salmon seems to always find his way home. A Cedar Falls native, he was a three-year starter for the Panthers at quarterback from 1973-75, blazing his way to the top of the record books, throwing for 4,234 regular season career yards and gaining 5,731 yards in total offense.

Known for his intuitiveness and speed, he led the Panthers through many great battles in his career. He starred at Cedar Falls High School where he also played basketball and baseball. He was an all-state pick in basketball and all-conference in baseball. As quarterback, he earned three letters and third team all-state honors. In 1972, he came to UNI, his father’s alma mater. Impressing then head coach Stan Sheriff, he made his way into the starting lineup in 1973.

He had a prolific career, setting many Panther offensive records. His honors include being named North Central Conference MVP, first team all-conference, and third team All-America in 1975. Salmon was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings in the 10th round in 1976. Due to an off-season injury, he was unable to play.

Since his playing days, he has enjoyed a career as a coach. From 1983 through 1996, he coached the Panther running backs and wide receivers under Darrell Mudra and Terry Allen. After his 13-year stint at UNI, he followed Allen to the University of Kansas, where he was a offensive coordinator/running backs/tight ends coach. He then found his way back to UNI under head coach Mark Farley, and continued his coaching career in football.