What Is 2014 Iowa Barnstormers football team

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2014 Iowa Barnstormers were an Arena Football League (AFL) team based in Des Moines, finishing the regular season with a 9–9 record and losing in the first round of the playoffs to the Spokane Shock on August 1, 2014.

Key Facts

The 2014 Iowa Barnstormers finished the AFL season with a 9–9 win-loss record
They played home games at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa
Head coach was Mike Hohensee, in his fourth season with the team
The team lost 72–64 to the Spokane Shock in the first round of the playoffs on August 1, 2014
Quarterback Tyler Sheehan started most games, throwing for 2,437 yards and 50 touchdowns

Overview

The 2014 Iowa Barnstormers competed in the Arena Football League (AFL) as part of the National Conference’s Central Division. It was their fourth season under head coach Mike Hohensee, who led the team through a balanced campaign that ended in a first-round playoff exit.

Based in Des Moines and playing home games at Wells Fargo Arena, the Barnstormers finished the regular season with a 9–9 record, securing a playoff berth as the fourth seed in their conference. Despite strong offensive performances, they fell short in the postseason.

Record: The team completed the regular season with a 9–9 win-loss record, placing third in the Central Division and qualifying for the playoffs as a wildcard.
Home Venue: All home games were played at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, which has a seating capacity of approximately 15,000 for football events.
Head Coach:Mike Hohensee served as head coach for his fourth consecutive season, emphasizing a fast-paced offensive strategy and aggressive defensive schemes.
Playoff Result: On August 1, 2014, the Barnstormers lost 72–64 to the Spokane Shock in the National Conference Wild Card round.
Team Ownership: The franchise was owned by Midwest Football, LLC, a group led by businessman Jerry Kurz, who also held leadership roles in the AFL.

How It Works

The Iowa Barnstormers operated under standard Arena Football League rules and structure, with a season spanning from March to August. The 2014 campaign featured a 18-game regular season schedule, followed by a single-elimination playoff format.

Regular Season: Each team played 18 games from March to July 2014; the Barnstormers won 9 and lost 9, finishing with a .500 winning percentage.
Playoff Qualification: The top four teams in each conference advanced; the Barnstormers qualified as the fourth seed in the National Conference.
Quarterback Performance:Tyler Sheehan started 13 games, throwing for 2,437 yards and 50 touchdowns, with 13 interceptions.
Defensive Standout: Linebacker James Romain led the team with 8.5 sacks and 3 interceptions, anchoring the secondary.
Key Rule Differences: Arena Football features 50-yard fields, rebound nets, and 8-player rosters, promoting faster, higher-scoring games than outdoor football.
Game Attendance: Average attendance at Wells Fargo Arena was approximately 8,200 fans per game, reflecting solid regional support.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2014 Iowa Barnstormers’ performance can be better understood by comparing key statistics with other Central Division teams in the AFL:

Team	Record (W–L)	Points For	Points Against	Playoff Result
Iowa Barnstormers	9–9	1,047	1,021	Lost in Wild Card Round
Cleveland Gladiators	12–6	1,182	1,058	Lost in Conference Final
Spokane Shock	11–7	1,124	1,003	Won Wild Card, Lost Semifinal
Philadelphia Soul	13–5	1,201	987	Lost ArenaBowl XXVII
San Jose SaberCats	16–2	1,298	912	Won ArenaBowl XXVII

This table highlights that while the Barnstormers were competitive defensively, they trailed division leaders in consistency and scoring efficiency. Their point differential of +26 was the lowest among playoff teams in the National Conference, underscoring their narrow margin for error.

Why It Matters

The 2014 season was significant for maintaining the Barnstormers’ presence in the AFL during a period of league instability. Their performance reflected both the team's resilience and the challenges of sustaining success in a niche professional football league.

Regional Identity: The Barnstormers continued to build a loyal fan base in central Iowa, promoting arena football as a viable entertainment option.
Player Development: Several players used the season as a springboard to higher-profile leagues, including the NFL and CFL.
Coaching Legacy: Mike Hohensee’s tenure helped establish a consistent team culture despite frequent roster turnover.
League Stability: The AFL faced financial and operational challenges; teams like Iowa helped maintain league-wide credibility.
Game Innovation: The high-scoring, fast-paced style influenced later indoor football leagues and rule experiments.
Historical Continuity: The 2014 season contributed to the Barnstormers’ legacy, which dates back to the team’s founding in 1995 as a member of the original AF2.

Though they didn’t reach ArenaBowl XXVII, the 2014 Iowa Barnstormers played a role in preserving professional indoor football in the Midwest, demonstrating both the excitement and unpredictability of the sport.