AMES (AP) — Iowa State football assistant Jay Norvell is leaving to become wide receivers coach for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.

Norvell, a former Iowa player, was ISU’s assistant head coach and worked with the Cyclones’ quarterbacks and receivers.

He is the second member of coach Dan McCarney’s staff to leave since the end of last season. Offensive coordinator Steve Loney resigned to take a similar position at Minnesota.

“This is the chance of a lifetime for me,” Norvell said.

Norvell has been at ISU during all three years of McCarney’s tenure. He also worked with McCarney on the Wisconsin staff and was a defensive back at Iowa while McCarney was an assistant there.

“I have known Dan as my coach and as a friend for more than 16 years,” Norvell said. “That makes it very difficult to leave Ames. I believe we are on track to rebuild the Cyclone football program. My wife Kim and I will leave behind many friends.”

Norvell helped put together a strong passing game at Iowa State last season. ISU’s Ty Watley led the Big 12 in receiving and quarterback Todd Bandhauer threw for 2,515 yards, the second-best total in school history, and had a school-record 20 touchdown passes.

“Indianapolis’ choice affirms what I have always known about Jay — that he is an outstanding football coach,” McCarney said. “But Jay is more than that to me. He is a special friend I have known for many years. Today, he is realizing a lifetime ambition: to work in the NFL.

“When you lose people to a higher level, it sends a positive message about the personnel on your staff,” he said.

Norvell is the second ISU assistant to leave for an NFL job in two years.

Kirby Wilson, who had coached the Cyclones’ running backs, is now coaching that position for the New England Patriots.