FAYETTE, Iowa - The Upper Iowa football program has added Cole Peterson to the staff as a Quarterbacks Coach and Pass Game Coordinator, Head Coach Jason Hoskins announced. Peterson served as the Tight Ends Coach with UConn last season after spending three seasons as an analyst.

"I'm excited to have Coach Peterson join our staff here at Upper Iowa," Hoskins said. "He brings a wealth of knowledge from all levels of college football. It was clear as we went through the interview process that he was our guy. I'm looking forward to seeing him mentor and teach the young men in our program."

Peterson brings 12 years of coaching experience to the Peacocks, including seven years collegiately and five years at the FBS level. Before joining the Huskies, Peterson also coached at Arkansas State under Butch Jones as a defensive quality control coach. 

He started coaching collegiately at Ottawa University Arizona in the NAIA for two seasons as the team's defensive backs coach. Peterson mentored four all-conference players and one NAIA All-American during his time with the Spirit. Before coaching at OUAZ, Peterson coached at Horizon High School (2014-15), Desert Mountain High School (2016-18) and North Canyon High School (2019) in Arizona. 

Peterson graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in marketing in 2009. He also earned a Juris Doctor degree with an emphasis in sports law and business from the Sandra Day O'Connor College of Law in 2015. 

At UConn, Peterson started as a defensive analyst in 2022. He transitioned to offense in 2023, serving as an offensive analyst working with the tight ends. In 2024, he was named the Senior Offensive Analyst and Assistant Quarterback Coach before becoming the Tight Ends Coach this past season. 

The Huskies posted back-to-back 9-4 seasons in 2024 and 2025, with Peterson on the staff led by Jim Mora. This marked the first time in program history that UConn has achieved back-to-back nine-win seasons. The 9-4 season in 2024 also broke a 12-year streak of losing seasons for the Huskies. Mora left UConn for Colorado State this past offseason.

The Peacocks have had a similar story the past few years. The program has combined for 16 wins in the past two seasons, marking the most in back-to-back years. The team's nine victories this past season also established a new program record. 

"Once I spoke with Coach Hoskins and Coach Max Longman, it was clear that Upper Iowa has the staff and program culture I was looking to be a part of," Peterson said. "This program has been built the right way by Coach Hoskins, as evidenced by the continued improvement and success over the last couple of seasons. I am excited about the opportunity to mentor the quarterback room and help develop the pass game, alongside great players and genuinely great people. The vision for this program and the opportunity to make an impact made this the right fit for me."

In 2025, UConn broke the school record for offensive yards in a season with 5,788. The Huskies also averaged the most points in a single season with 35.31. Nationally, UConn ranked 11th in passing offense (284.4 yards per game), 15th in scoring offense (35.31 points per game) and 21st in total offense (445.2 yards per game).

Peterson's tight end room accounted for 58 catches for 711 yards and eight touchdowns last season. This tied the FBS single-season school record in TE receiving touchdowns and finished second in both single-season receptions and receiving yards for the tight end position in program history.

When working with the quarterbacks in 2024, Joe Fagnano and Nick Evers accounted for the most touchdown passes in 21 years for the program. Fagnano also finished 15th in the FBS in passing efficiency (152.9 rating). 

At UConn, Peterson also coached three players who earned NFL opportunities, including tight end Justin Joly, who was selected in the fifth round this past draft by the Denver Broncos. Peterson's other NFL notables include tight end Louis Hansen (Houston Texans) and Fagnano (Baltimore Ravens), both of whom were undrafted free agents. 

"What I enjoy most about coaching is helping players develop both on and off the field," Peterson said. "It is extremely rewarding to help a quarterback learn to see the field better or improve on a specific fundamental, but it is just as rewarding to see them grow as students in the classroom and as successful members of society. I am a teacher first and foremost. Teaching is fun, and it just so happens I get to teach the greatest subject in the world."

Peterson is also planning to use his extensive background in football coaching to help the Peacocks. 

"I will bring strong attention to detail, accountability and a thorough understanding of all facets of the game," Peterson said. "My background coaching multiple positions on both sides of the ball gives me a unique perspective and understanding of the game that applies to everything at the quarterback position. My goal is to develop our quarterbacks daily, help them play confidently, make good decisions and put our offense in the best position to be successful. I am fortunate to have been a part of some incredible passing offenses throughout my career and to have learned from some great coaches and players along the way."

Upper Iowa will be tasked with replacing quarterback Darryl Overstreet Jr. this season following his graduation. Overstreet Jr. finished his Peacock career totaling the second-most passing yards (7,878) and passing touchdowns (63) in program history. As the Peacocks turn the page under center, Peterson will help develop the program's next starter in 2026. 

"I want our quarterbacks to be accountable, dependable and consistent, which I sum up as 'being who you said you were going to be,'" Peterson said. "I want them to give more than they take, and to leave Upper Iowa better than they found it."