Tyler Roehl Returns to Ames as Iowa State’s Offensive Coordinator Under Jimmy Rogers
AMES - Jimmy Rogers didn’t waste time making a statement with his first major hire as Iowa State’s head coach. He’s bringing back a familiar face - and a proven offensive mind - to run the Cyclones’ offense.
Tyler Roehl, who spent the 2024 season coaching Iowa State’s running backs before a brief stint with the Detroit Lions, is returning to Ames as the Cyclones’ new offensive coordinator. It’s a reunion that could pay big dividends for a program looking to build on one of the most successful seasons in school history.
Roehl’s name may ring a bell for Cyclone fans - and for good reason. In 2024, under then-head coach Matt Campbell, Roehl helped guide Iowa State to a program-record 11 wins, a trip to the Big 12 Championship Game, and a Pop-Tarts Bowl victory over Miami. That kind of season doesn’t happen without a strong ground game, and Roehl’s fingerprints were all over it.
Now, with Campbell off to Penn State and Rogers taking the reins in Ames, Roehl is back - this time with the keys to the offense.
A Proven Track Record
Before his first stint in Ames, Roehl made a name for himself at North Dakota State, where he spent over a decade, including five years as offensive coordinator. His offenses weren’t just good - they were dominant. He called plays for the Bison during their 2019 and 2021 FCS national championship runs, and his 2023 unit was a force, racking up 3,560 rushing yards, 47 rushing touchdowns, and 74 total scores.
That level of production wasn’t an anomaly. Over a five-year stretch, Roehl’s offenses consistently ranked among the top four in the FCS in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns. His system leans on physicality, creativity, and a clear identity - something Rogers is counting on as he builds his version of Cyclone football.
What Rogers Sees in Roehl
Rogers knows exactly what he's getting in Roehl - and it’s not just about the numbers. The two have gone head-to-head before, and Rogers, a former defensive coordinator, remembers how tough it was to prepare for Roehl’s offenses.
“I’ve competed against Tyler, I’ve coached against him,” Rogers said. “He’s the ultimate competitor.
His offenses are known for creativity, innovation and toughness. As a defensive guy, I know how hard those were to prepare for.”
That respect goes a long way. For a first-year head coach like Rogers, surrounding himself with experienced, battle-tested coordinators is key. Roehl brings not only a deep understanding of the game but also a familiarity with the Iowa State program and the culture that’s been built in Ames over the last several years.
Timing and Transition
For now, Roehl will finish out the NFL season with the Detroit Lions, where he’s been coaching tight ends under Dan Campbell. That includes any potential postseason games. Once that run ends, he’ll turn his full attention to Iowa State’s offense and getting the Cyclones ready for a new era.
The timing of the hire gives Iowa State a head start heading into 2026. With Roehl’s return, the Cyclones get a coach who understands the Big 12 landscape, knows how to win at a high level, and has already built relationships within the program.
What It Means for the Cyclones
This hire isn’t just about continuity - it’s about raising the ceiling. Roehl’s offensive philosophy fits the mold of what Rogers wants: a tough, smart, adaptable attack that can grind out yards on the ground and keep defenses guessing. His offenses at North Dakota State were built on balance, physicality, and execution - all traits that travel well to the Big 12.
For a team coming off a historic season and looking to stay near the top of the conference, bringing back a coach who helped lay that foundation - and has the résumé to back it up - is a savvy move.
Roehl’s return to Ames brings experience, stability, and a clear offensive identity to a program entering a new chapter. And if his past is any indication, the Cyclones’ offense is in good hands.