From UNI to NFL: Iowa's Ryan Mahaffey Takes on Eagles Role

The road from the University of Northern Iowa to the sidelines of the NFL is paved with hard work, and Ryan Mahaffey is living proof.

The Iowa native and former Panthers standout was recently named the Philadelphia Eagles' run game coordinator and tight ends coach. It is a massive leap for a coach who nearly walked away from football entirely to pursue law school.

A Familiar Voice Changed Everything

Back in the spring of 2013, Mahaffey was back at his alma mater, preparing for his next chapter. His brief NFL playing career as a fullback had stalled after stints with Baltimore, Indianapolis, and Miami over the 2011 and 2012 seasons. The cerebral Iowa native had already taken his LSAT and was ready to head to law school.

Then, a familiar voice echoed across the UNI athletic track.

It was Mark Farley, his former coach at the traditional FCS powerhouse.