Ryan Mahaffey

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa head football coach Mark Farley has announced the hiring of Grinnell native and former Panther Ryan Mahaffey as the offensive coordinator.

Mahaffey previously served as the co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach for the Panthers. He returns to Cedar Falls after a two-year stint as the tight ends coach at Western Kentucky.

“I think it is a great opportunity for UNI football, and I think it is a great opportunity for Ryan,” Farley said. “We brought Ryan back because he is UNI football. He knows the strengths of this university. He knows what works within our football program and he understands an Iowa high school football player who fits our school and fits our team.”

Mahaffey replaces John Bond, who resigned his position because of family considerations. He returns to lead an offensive staff that is mostly intact from last season and hopes to continue doing what UNI is known for: hard-nosed football.

“The hallmark of UNI football is always going physical play and fundamentals,” Mahaffey said. “We are devoted to creating that mindset. We will play to our personnel, and I think our guys are going to have a lot of fun playing in this system.”

Mahaffey made his name at UNI as a three-time all-conference tight end and fullback for the Panthers. During his time, UNI earned three conference titles prior to his graduating in 2011.

He went on to play two years in the NFL, suiting up for the Baltimore Ravens, the Indianapolis Colts and Miami Dolphins.

Mahaffey is a Grinnell native and is married to former Northern Iowa golfer Molly Schemm.