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Iowa State University Athletics
Steve Loney Returns to Iowa State as Offensive Coordinator
02.07.2000 | Football
AMES, Iowa -- Steve Loney, whose record-setting offense at Minnesota played a major part in the rise of the Golden Gophers' football program that made its first bowl appearance in 13 years last season, is returning to Iowa State to reassume the duties of offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Iowa State under head coach Dan McCarney. Loney returns to Ames after two years as offensive coordinator and line coach under Glen Mason at Minnesota, a term that was preceded by three years (1995-97) as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Iowa State. Loney's offenses set numerous school records at both schools. Loney, a Marshalltown native who played for the Cyclones under Earle Bruce, earned bachelor's and master's degrees at Iowa State. He replaces Pete Hoener, who took a coaching position at Texas A&M last week.
Minnesota was second in the Big Ten under Loney's guidance last season and ranked 11th nationally in rushing, averaging 239.1 yards per game. The Golden Gophers were fourth in the Big Ten and 26th nationally in total offense (415.4). Minnesota finished fourth in the Big Ten and 20th nationally in scoring offense at 31.6 points per game in 1999.
"I'm thrilled that Steve is coming back home," ISU head coach Dan McCarney said. "Steve's success at Minnesota underscores his ability as a great offensive coach. Minnesota broke 19 offensive records last season as the Golden Gophers turned around their program and went to a bowl game. Minnesota produced nearly 5,000 yards of total offense last season."
Loney's unit also produced an all-Big Ten first-team rusher in Thomas Hamner (1,362 yds) and a first-team All-America center in Ben Hamilton. Hamner and quarterback Billy Cockerham combined to form the top rushing duo in the country with 2,167 yards for an average of 197.0 yards per game. In addition, Minnesota set team records for points (348), touchdowns (42), total offensive yards (4,569), average yards per play (5.9) and average yards per game (415.4).
"When you couple Steve's Minnesota success with what he accomplished when he was here at ISU, if affirms how fortunate we are to have him back with us," McCarney said. "Pete Hoener did a great job for us, but family ties were a significant factor in his desire to go to Texas A&M. It is ironic that family ties helped bring Steve back to Iowa State."
Loney's offensive schemes produced similar record-breaking results at Iowa State from 1995-97. In Loney's first two seasons at ISU, the Cyclone offense produced the most prolific tailback over two seasons in NCAA history in Troy Davis, who rushed for a two-year NCAA record 4,195 yards. Troy's brother, Darren Davis, rushed for 1,005 yards in just nine games in 1997, giving the Cyclones three straight 1,000-yard rushers under Loney. He also helped develop Tim Kohn, a two-time first-team all-Big 12 selection at offensive tackle, center Pat Augafa, the 1995 Big Eight Conference offensive newcomer of the year and an all-conference choice in 1996, and Oliver Ross, currently with the Dallas Cowboys.
Iowa State increased its offensive production by 20 percent during Loney's tenure in Ames. ISU ranked second in the Big 12 and 37th in the nation in passing offense in 1997 with an average of 231.9 yards per game through the air. The Cyclones ranked fourth in the Big 12 and 13th in the nation in rushing in 1996 with an average of 237.7 yards per game on the ground, which included an impressive average of 5.0 yards per carry. In 1995, Iowa State was third in the Big Eight and 15th in the country with an average of 228.5 yards per game rushing.
Loney lettered at ISU as an offensive lineman on Johnny Majors' Sun Bowl and Liberty Bowl teams. After earning a bachelor's degree from ISU while playing for Majors' successor, Earle Bruce, Loney served as a graduate assistant and part-time coach while earning his master's degree in secondary school administration. Loney then worked two years (1975-76) as offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Leavenworth (Kan.) High School (1977-78).
Loney spent the 1979 and 1980 seasons as assistant head coach, offensive coordinator and offensive line coach at Morehead State before taking over as the Eagles' head coach for three seasons (1981-83). In 1984, Loney moved on to The Citadel, where he served as assistant head coach, offensive line coach and special teams coordinator (1984-86). The former Cyclone then joined Bruce at Colorado State in 1989 as assistant head coach and offensive line coach. CSU went to the Freedom Bowl in 1990, the school's first bowl bid in 48 years.
Loney moved to the NFL's Arizona Cardinals as an offensive line coach in 1993 before serving as assistant head coach and wide receiver coach at Connecticut in 1994. He is married to the former Terri Lynn Davidson of Joplin, Mo., and they have three children: Matt (23), Katie (21) and Kylan (17).
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