The U.N.I. Panthers are a week into their spring practices and are looking at a few new faces. Not only do the Panthers have the typical player turnover to deal with, but they are also working on replacing a pair of defensive assistant coaches.

Defensive backs coach Blue Adams left U.N.I. to join the staff of the Miami Dolphins, while defensive coordinator Jovan Dewitt is now at Florida Atlantic. U.N.I. coach Mark Farley says that he is still finalizing the replacements for Adams and Dewitt.

“We are still in the process of solidifying that hire so we can announce it,” Farley says. He says he may not decide on one of the decisions until after spring ball is over.

Farley says that while he may hire someone with the title of defensive coordinator or promote defensive line coach to that position, he will still be heavily involved in running the Panther defense. He says that’s the way he has done it for 11 seasons.

Farley says that until those new assistant coaches come aboard, he’s working with two other defensive coaches to manage things in the spring. The Panther spring game will be held on April 27.

By Jesse Gavin at KCNZ Cedar Falls

Radio Iowa