Luke Falk exits UNI football program

CEDAR FALLS — Northern Iowa offensive coordinator Luke Falk — who had yet to coach his first season with the Panthers — has departed the program due to a family health matter.

Falk was hired in February after Bodie Reeder left UNI to become Middle Tennessee’s offensive coordinator.

A three-time All-Pac 12 honoree at Washington State under the late coach Mike Leach, Falk had previously coached at Division II Wingate University before being hired by UNI head coach Mark Farley.

After sources told The Gazette of Falk’s departure Tuesday morning, a UNI athletics department official acknowledged it and revealed the nature of it as a “family health matter” while adding that no further details would be provided out of respect for Falk and his family’s privacy.

As Falk made his exit from the program, the Panthers hired Northern Arizona passing game coordinator Joel Filani.

Similar to Falk, Filani also played for and coached with Leach. He was a wide receiver at Texas Tech during Leach’s tenure with the Red Raiders and coached alongside him as an offensive quality control at Washington State.

Filani’s specific role and title have yet to be announced; however, it’s likely he could be named wide receivers coach while Trey Tinsley is elevated to offensive coordinator.

The Panthers open its 2024 season at home Aug. 31 against Valparaiso.