Maybe we've lost the sight of what the purpose of college athletics is," Farley said. "For me, that's giving Iowa farm kids the chance to go play college football and get a college degree."

Northern Iowa has announced that 2024 will be the final season under legendary head coach Mark Farley. Farley, who spent time as an assistant at Kansas before returning to take over the reigns at his alma mater in 2001, has enjoyed a remarkable run leading the Panthers.

Mark Farley, Northern Iowa’s head football coach since 2001, announced Sunday he will retire at the end of the season. The Panthers are 2-8 and the midst of an eight-game losing skid. They play at Youngstown State on Saturday and close the season Nov. 23 at home against Indiana State.