CEDAR FALLS, Iowa — Drake football coach Todd Stepsis is leaving behind his blue and white for some new team colors: Purple and gold, to be exact.
Stepsis has accepted the head coaching position at the University of Northern Iowa, the university announced Tuesday. He will replace Coach Mark Farley, who retired at the end of the 2024 season after more than 20 years with the Panthers.
"We are pleased to welcome Coach Stepsis and his family to the Cedar Valley," said UNI President Mark Nook. "Coach Stepsis has created an exemplary record of helping young men and football programs develop and grow during his previous coaching stops."
Stepsis was named Drake's head coach in 2018 after five seasons as defensive coordinator. During his six years as head coach, Stepsis led the Bulldogs to two back-to-back Pioneer Football League championships, as well as two consecutive FCS Playoffs berths.
His accolades earned him PFL Coach of the Year honors for the second year in a row in 2024.
"Todd is the absolute right leader of the next era of men in the UNI locker room and on the coaching staff, and he will embrace our storied alumni," said UNI Director of Athletics Megan Franklin. "Todd's vision to recruit and mentor men who lead on the field, on campus, and in the community will result in winning championships and graduating men of service to their families, professions and communities."
During the Bulldogs' 2024 season, the team held six opponents under 20 points. In addition, six Drake players earned first-team all-conference accolades under Stepsis' leadership in 2024.
"As someone who has lived in Iowa for the past decade and who has recruited across the Midwest, I know the reputation of excellence that University of Northern Iowa carries as both an academic institution and as an athletic department," Stepsis said. "We will seek to live up to that championship legacy and field teams that all UNI students and alums can be proud of."
Stepsis will serve a five-year contract with UNI. He will be formally introduced to the UNI community at a press conference in the near future.
Drake plans to begin a national search for the team's next football coach.