DES MOINES – Steve Loney, the Arizona Cardinals’ offensive line coach and former ISU offensive coordinator, was named Drake’s interim head coach Monday.

Loney replaces Rob Ash, who was named head coach at Montana State last week after heading Drake for 18 years.

Loney, 55, a Marshalltown native, takes over a program that posted 125-63-2 under Ash, ending with five consecutive winning seasons and a trip to the quarterfinals of the 2006 Division I-AA playoffs.

Loney’s interim status will last through December, when his performance will be evaluated, Drake officials said.

Loney has coached 30 years at the collegiate and professional levels, including four seasons for the Minnesota Vikings. He was the Vikings’ offensive line coach from 2002-2004 and offensive coordinator in 2005. He joined the Cardinals last season.

This will be Loney’s second head coaching job in college. He headed Morehead State from 1981 to 1983.

A former offensive lineman for Iowa State, Loney was a member of the Cyclones’ 1971 Sun Bowl and 1972 Liberty Bowl teams. He launched his coaching career in 1974 at his alma mater as a graduate assistant coach.