University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Jeff Jones named Head Football Athletic Performance Coach
1/9/2026 10:00:00 AM | Football
CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- The UNI Athletic Department on Friday announced hiring of Jeff Jones as its new Head Football Athletic Performance Coach.
"I'm extremely excited to add Jeff to the program," said Brandon Ronan, UNI's Director of Athletic Performance. "He brings great experiences at multiple levels and extreme passion for athletic development. Not only will he do an outstanding job in the development of our football student-athletes, but also his passion for mentorship of future coaches in our grad program will make a major impact on our staff. We are beyond excited to have him as a Panther!"
With 20 years of experience in athletic performance coaching and training, Jones comes to Cedar Falls after five years as the Assistant Athletic Director for Athletic Performance at Arkansas State University.
Jones spent one year as the Director of Athletic Performance at Appalachian State in 2019, helping train the Mountaineer football program that captured the Sun Belt Conference championship and a win in the New Orleans Bowl over UAB. From 2016 to 2018, he also oversaw athletic performance at Luther College in Decorah.
After a brief stint as an Assistant Athletic Performance Coach at Arkansas State in 2012, Jones joined the staff as Auburn University in 2013, contributing to the development of football student-athletes who appeared in three consecutive bowl games, including the 2014 BCS National Championship Game (2013 season), the Outback Bowl (2014 season) and the Birmingham Bowl (2015 season). The Tigers also won the Southeastern Conference (SEC) championship in his first season at Auburn under head coach Gus Malzahn.
Prior to his arrival at Auburn, Jones spent six years at Boise State University, first as a graduate assistant (2006-07) before being hired as an Assistant Athletic Performance Coach. Jones' work with the Broncos' football program saw Boise State capture three Western Athletic Conference (WAC) titles in 2006, 2008 and 2009, along with five bowl game victories including the Fiesta Bowl (2007, 2010), the Hawaii Bowl (2007), the Poinsettia Bowl (2008) and the Las Vegas Bowl (2010) under head coach Chris Peterson.
"I'm beyond excited to join the UNI Panther family," Jones said. "Growing up in Rockford, I always enjoyed watching UNI complete in the Dome. It's an iconic place. Since going through the interview process, my respect for the UNI coaches, staff and people has only grown. They're exceptional and I'm incredibly grateful for the opportunity to work alongside such a great group of coaches, staff and athletes."
Jones graduated from Central College in Pella, Iowa in 2006 with a bachelor's degree in exercise science and health promotion after a four-year football playing career with the Dutch that culminated in two Iowa Conference championships. He later earned a master's degree in curriculum and instruction in foundational studies in 2011 from Boise State.
Jones and his wife, Rachel have one son, Colt.
UNI Athletics action can be followed all year long on social media on Facebook (UNI Athletics), X (@UNIAthletics) and on Instagram (@uniathletics). Schedules and rosters, along with the latest Panther news and information can be found online at UNIpanthers.com.
