Atif Austin - Running Backs - Football Coaches

Atif Austin

Title:
Running Backs

Atif Austin returned to UNI in 2021 after spending five seasons as running backs coach and special teams coordinator for the Panthers from 2005-10. The Panthers made three FCS Playoff appearances during his first stint in Cedar Falls.

Austin came to UNI from Northern Illinois. He worked with the NIU running backs, and served as special teams coordinator.

In 2022, Austin's running back core of Dom Williams, Vance McShane and Harrison Bey-Buie combined for 1,549 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns. Williams would tie a single-game school record with 4 rushing touchdowns against Missouri State in a 41-20 win.

Prior to NIU, he spent the 2018 season as an assistant running backs coach with the Super Bowl Champion New England Patriots. The Patriots ranked fifth in the National Football League with 127.3 rushing yards a game last season, led by Sony Michel who gained 931 yards on 209 carries.

Prior to his year in the NFL, the native of Tarpon Springs, Florida, spent four seasons (2014-18) with North Dakota State, coaching the Bison wide receivers and served as special teams coordinator.

During his four-year tenure in Fargo, the Bison made four FCS Playoff appearances, won three National Championships and four Missouri Valley Football Conference titles. The Bison Austin mentored North Dakota State wide receivers Zach Vraa and Darrius Shepherd, who rank first and second, respectively, in NDSU career receiving yards and career pass receptions.

Austin began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at Southwest Minnesota State (2003-04) and was the running backs coach at Stetson in 2013.

A four-year starter at defensive back for Iowa State (1999-2002), Iowa State played in three bowl games during his playing career under head coach Dan McCarney. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sociology from Iowa State in 2002 and his master’s in leadership & education from Southwest Minnesota State in 2005.

Austin, and his wife Tori, have three children; Djoni, Amni and A.J.