University of Northern Iowa Athletics
Football
- Title:
- Offensive Line
- Email:
- rick.nelson@uni.edu
Nelson begins his second stint as UNI's offensive line coach ahead of the 2023 season after spending the previous eight years as a physical education teacher and head football coach at Ankeny High School, where he won a Class 4A state championship in 2020. During his first go-around with the Panthers from 2000 through 2015, Nelson coached 22 FCS All-Americans and 29 All-Conference selections.
UNI made the FCS playoffs 8 times during Nelson's first tenure with a pair of trips to the national semifinals (2001, 2008), an appearance in the 2005 national championship game and an undefeated regular season in 2007. Two UNI linemen who would reach the NFL under Nelson, including Brandon Keith, a 7th round pick in 2008 by the Arizona Cardinals, and Austin Howard, 2010 free agent signing by the Philadelphia Eagles who went on to play 9 seasons in the league.
Prior to his time in Cedar Falls, Nelson coached 11 seasons at Southwest Missouri State (known today as Missouri State). During his time in Springfield, Nelson helped the Bears set 35 offensive records, and saw six players earn All-American honors. 20 Southwest Missouri State athletes earned All-Gateway Conference recognition, with two being named to the conference's All-Decade Team of the 1990s. Nelson also coached Jason Whittle during his tenure with the Bears, who played 11 seasons in the NFL with the Giants, Buccaneers, Vikings and Bills.
Nelson, an Urbandale, Iowa native and 1986 UNI graduate, is married to his wife Jamie. They have two children, Nick and Wes.
