Drake’s Todd Stepsis has been named the new football coach at Northern Iowa

Northern Iowa athletics director Megan Franklin didn’t have to look far to find her new football coach.

Franklin went the route of hiring Drake’s Todd Stepsis as the Panthers’ new head coach. The school announced the hiring Tuesday, with Stepsis replacing longtime Panthers coach Mark Farley.

Stepsis, who spent the last six seasons as Drake’s coach, agreed to a five-year deal with the Panthers. It will be officially presented at a press conference soon.

“This is an exciting day for UNI football players, alumni, fans and donors as we announce the hiring of head coach Todd Stepsis,” Franklin said in a statement announcing the news. “Todd is a mentor to men. Its winning culture is based on promoting the best of the team’s fraternity. Coach Stepsis was a winner from his playing days until he became head coach. His experience as both an offensive and defensive coordinator gives him a unique advantage in the head coaching role.”