Mark Farley (2012) - Hall of Fame

Mark Farley

Induction:
2012
Class:
1986

Mark Farley (1982-86 student-athlete; 2001-present head coach) walked on to the UNI football team in the fall of 1982.

He received the Special Team Award his second year, then became a starting inside linebacker three years. He earned honorable mention all-America honors twice, was named Gateway Conference co-Defensive Player of the Year and was selected a team co-captain. He led the team in tackles three consecutive years. During Farley's three years as a starter, UNI compiled a 27-7-1 record and advanced to the 1985 FCS semifinals.

Farley went straight from a player to a graduate assistant for two years under Coach Darrell Mudra and then was elevated to a full-time assistant. Between 1987-96, he was the position coach for such former UNI stars as Bryce Paup, James Jones, William Freeney and Andre Allen. Paup and Jones went on to play in the NFL, of course, while Allen and Freeney played in the Arena League and CFL. Four times Farley's players were named league Defensive Players of the Year.

Farley, once known as the "walk on from Waukon", has led the UNI Panthers to 129 wins in his 15 years at the helm of the program since taking over the head coaching duties in 2001. Farley is the MVFC's all-time coaching wins leader.