Mount Mercy names MD Daniels its first football coach

CEDAR RAPIDS — Mount Mercy University has its first football coach.

Athletics director Paul Gavin announced Wednesday that Marvellande “MD” Daniels will steer the Mustang program during it’s debut season.

Daniels, 34, been co-offensive coordinator at Bethel University in Tennessee the past two years after coaching Iowa Wesleyan in its final two seasons.

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“MD brings unmatched enthusiasm and passion for the sport of football and the experience to lead this program from the ground up,” Gavin said in a news release. “I look forward to working closely with him as we build a program that all Mustangs can be proud of.”

Daniels begins his role on Jan. 6, 2025.

As co-offensive coordinator and wide receivers coach at Bethel, Daniels helped lead the team to an 18-5 record over two seasons, including a quarterfinals berth in the NAIA playoffs.

His offense was ranked in the top five in scoring in the NAIA in 2023, while the passing game ranked in the top 10. Over the course of two seasons with Bethel, Daniels’ offense put up 35.3 points per game as well as 396.5 yards per game.

Under Daniels’ leadership, the Wildcat offense broke 13 school records, including passing touchdowns, catches, receiving touchdowns and receiving yards.

“I am so humbled and blessed for this opportunity to be the first head coach at Mount Mercy University,” Daniels, a Houston native, said in the release. “... With hard work and a commitment to excellence, we will build upon the foundation laid by exceptional leadership from the top down in order to create a dominant program.

“I am excited to get out in the community and engage our supporters. Together, we will develop an elite staff, and recruit talented athletes in Cedar Rapids and the surrounding areas.”

He led Iowa Wesleyan to a 7-18 record in two plus seasons as head coach, the final team going 4-7. It was the most wins in 10 seasons. The team ranked in the top-15 in the NAIA in total passing yards, passing yards per game and pass completions.

Daniels also coached the defensive line, linebackers and special teams at McMurry University in Texas from 2015-2018. He has coached three NCAA All-Americans, two NAIA All-Americans, including a defensive player of the year.

“He brings deep experience, proven success and authentic values to this vital new role,” Mount Mercy president Todd Olson said. “I can’t wait to see how Coach Daniels works with colleagues across the university to bring our football program to life.”

Daniels will be joined in Cedar Rapids by his wife, Chyna, and daughter, Riley.