Iowa mailbag: Chris Doyle, coaching changes and hoops talk (2024)

IOWA CITY, Iowa — Welcome to the Upper Midwest, home of the longest winter since Laura Ingalls Wilder’s epic tale of her days in Minnesota. We’ve reached the dog days of winter where the temperature rarely reaches zero, the snow doesn’t melt in the sun and spring is more of a mirage than a reality.

OK, enough of my pity party. In four weeks, when our sump pumps are in overdrive because of some hopeful melting, some of the most important winter competitions will take place for Iowa in at least a decade. The men’s basketball team will vie for its first Sweet 16 berth in 22 years. The wrestling squad — while currently on a pause — is the overwhelming favorite to claim its first national title since 2010. With freshman superstar and weekly Big Ten award winner Caitlin Clark in tow, Iowa’s women’s basketball team also has eyes on the postseason.

But football never leaves the scene completely, and such was the case last week. Jacksonville Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer hired former Iowa strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle before a blistering backlash led Doyle to resign. That topic is where we will start this week.

Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity.

Why are so many Iowa fans willing to defend Chris Doyle? Iowa is going to deal with the fallout of the culture that he created for years to come. Has Doyle ever publicly apologized? Has he ever sat down for an interview or held a news conference and had to answer tough questions like the rest of the Iowa staff has had to do? Doyle is not a victim. I don’t see how fans who love Iowa football can feel bad for a man who has tarnished the reputation and brand of Iowa football for years to come.

Brandon D.

Is Chris Doyle actually a good strength coach? I have heard some mixed reviews around campus at least in regard to the technical side of things. Obviously, his real value in college like many S&C coaches came from his skill at playing Ferentz’s role when skirting player contact rules. I don’t think the man should never be employed again (though I’d hope he has enough money to do so if he desired) but I thought it was odd he got hired again so quickly. This isn’t 30 years ago when only a handful of people had any idea about strength and conditioning best practices; there are tons of capable and qualified candidates these days.

Addison K.

Thoughts on Doyle happenings? How much did increased Urban Meyer scrutiny with some of his past decisions play into it?

Kurt R.

There were plenty of other questions submitted that were related to Chris Doyle, and this remains as difficult as any subject as it relates to Iowa sports. I will try my best to explain all angles very carefully to provide a balanced look at why Doyle was considered the nation’s best strength coach and why he needed to leave Iowa.

In some ways, Doyle’s departure eight months later has grown even more polarizing among some fans and many former players than when it took place June 5. Let’s start with the obvious. Last June, dozens of Black former players accused Doyle of bullying tactics and racially insensitive remarks that regularly shifted from demanding to often demeaning. There was no way Doyle could do his job effectively, and he reached a separation agreement for $1.1 million nine days after the accusations became public. Doyle’s contract called for him to make $896,000 in the current fiscal year and around $1 million beginning July 1. Firing him for cause would have cost more money in the long run.

The University of Iowa General Counsel hired the Husch Blackwell law firm to conduct a summer-long investigation into the football program and found it often unwelcoming and difficult for players of color. The law firm interviewed 111 people for the 28-page report, which included 45 players on the summer roster, 29 former players and 36 current and former employees. Doyle received the majority of criticism but other assistants were accused of fostering a bullying culture. Among those accused include offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, who apologized for his actions last fall. Doyle has not apologized publicly. He offered one public comment two days after the allegations became viral in which he launched a strong personal defense.

Doyle’s outsized role stretched beyond strength and conditioning, and his influence dealt with every facet of Iowa football. Doyle came to Iowa from Utah and earned $56,000 in 1999. In his final season, he made $800,000. Doyle’s training regimen blended ever-changing sports performance methods and science with edge-straddling brute physicality. With a small population and an unnatural recruiting base, Iowa needed an edge in this area in order to compete in the Big Ten. Doyle helped lesser-talented Iowa teams compete and sent nearly five dozen players to the NFL. In the football community, Doyle is largely regarded as the best. Iowa recognized this by making him the nation’s highest-paid strength coach and naming him the executive director of Iowa football. It helped rebuff potential suitors, of which there were many.

As a result, Doyle received little interference in the strength and conditioning realm, which grew into a problem. A 100-squat workout in 2011 sent 13 players to the hospital with rhabdomyolysis. Black players felt like they could not be themselves in the football facility, and many of Doyle’s remarks toward attire, slang and hairstyle were interpreted as racially insensitive. His punishments and dress-downs were considered overly harsh and uneven when it came to discipline and his strict oversight on sleep and weight was criticized heavily in the report.

Many former players continue to support Doyle as a drill sergeant who got the most out of those he trained. Several NFL players returned to Iowa City each offseason to train with Doyle, and they continue to swear by him. There’s also a sizable number of former players who believe Doyle negatively influenced the program and enforced strict policies that disproportionately affected Black players. The fans are divided as equally as the players, and the ratio mirrors that of our current political environment.

Urban Meyer’s hubris seemingly reopened the wound once again among Iowa fans.

Do you have any insights on how Kirk goes about finding new coaches? Replacing Derrick Foster seems to be the more difficult hire because of where he recruits and the RBs also did well under his coaching.

Charlie S.

Which staff departure do you believe will have the biggest effect on the football program? Do you see any positives that may arise from the upcoming staff changes? To me, it seems recruiting will take a big hit.

Josh L.

I am curious how much losing two offensive coaches will impact the recruiting efforts — With the early signing now, how soon do they need to be replaced to avoid falling far behind other schools?

Tom H.

Will O-line coach candidates think twice about working for Iowa when their boss will be the head coach’s son? Will the political dimension be a factor in Iowa’s selection?

Eric U.

The Hawkeyes lost a pair of assistants last week when running backs coach Derrick Foster left for the same job with the L.A. Chargers and offensive line coach Tim Polasek took a job as Wyoming’s offensive coordinator. Both were solid additions at Iowa and leave holes in the Hawkeyes’ offense.

The University of Iowa requires all jobs to go through an advertising process, which is the case now. Both jobs are considered open through Feb. 25, which is the application deadline. With Kirk Ferentz’s longevity, it’s likely he has several potential candidates in mind or has a few recommendations for someone who might fit at Iowa. Ferentz is methodical in his outside choices, and I’d expect that to be the case with spring practice not starting until late March.

Both Polasek (four years) and Foster (three years) were relatively new at Iowa and their departures won’t have the type of impact in recruiting as, say, Reese Morgan’s did two years ago when he retired. The program regularly shifts its recruiting zones to accommodate its assistants’ strengths, and that will be the case moving forward. Polasek was strong in Wisconsin and Minnesota, so the current staff adjusted. Foster had contacts in Alabama, Atlanta and Tampa, Fla., so that’s where the staff concentrated. If a new assistant has roots in Texas or Florida, that’s where their focus will be.

Border states are considered tier-one locations for Iowa, so the program won’t abdicate those regions under any circ*mstances. It’s a similar philosophy in traditional Big Ten areas like Indiana, Ohio and Michigan, too. When it comes to Texas, Florida, Alabama, Connecticut and other areas, that’s where recruiting zones could change.

Both Polasek and Foster were well-respected so I’m not sure if there’s an upgrade on the horizon. To wage a guess, I’d say Ferentz will eye an experienced zone-blocking offensive line coach perhaps with an NFL background (maybe Mike Devlin, recently with the Houston Texans). I imagine Ferentz will place a recruiting premium on the running backs coach.

Both assistants will understand Kirk Ferentz is the head coach and Brian Ferentz is the offensive coordinator. Considering chain of command is entrenched in football, I’m sure every candidate will understand where they fit before taking part in the interview process.

With Keontae Luckett in the transfer portal and Ivory Kelly-Martin injured this spring, and given that he is already on campus, what are the odds the staff gives Arland Bruce significant time at RB? I was convinced he was a receiver until I saw his senior highlights and now I want him in the backfield in the worst way. He has everything as an RB.

Daniel B.

While talented running the football, I don’t think Arland Bruce will see a ton of action at running back. He wants to play wide receiver and sees himself at that position. Perhaps Bruce will take a few wildcat snaps or a couple of handoffs on jet sweeps, but Iowa really likes both Gavin Williams and Leshon Williams, too.

With a shortening bench at running back, my guess is after spring practice, the staff considers adding a graduate transfer at running back to rotate with Tyler Goodson and provide depth. With FCS football underway starting this week, it won’t take Nostradamus to predict several players will hit the transfer portal by early May.

Which former Iowa football players have the best chance to move into late-round consideration with strong Pro Day results? Nick Niemann, Shaun Beyer, Brandon Smith, Cole Banwart?

Thomas B.

That’s a great question, Thomas, and I think all of them will pick up plenty of interest on pro day next month. Smith is a physical specimen. He’s built like a true NFL X-receiver and won the Mississippi high jump championship as a senior. I’m sure a few teams will project him as an Allen Lazard-type athlete or potentially as a tight end because he’s the best blocking receiver I’ve seen at Iowa.

Both Beyer and Banwart are plug-and-play guys at their positions. Beyer flashed some great hands and solid blocking last year along with some underrated athletic ability. Considering his pedigree and Iowa’s prowess in developing tight ends, Beyer might end up as a late-round draft pick who sticks with a roster and plays a ton of special teams. Banwart is a three-year starting guard in a zone-blocking system. For teams that rely on that scheme, Banwart has the muscle memory to step in and run it the first day of camp.

Niemann is in a similar position with the other three players and his older brother, Ben, who signed as a free agent with Kansas City in 2018. Nick Niemann is a shade taller and faster than his brother, who has become an important contributor for the Chiefs. Every team will identify Nick Niemann as a similar prospect as his brother.

Late-round discussions are fascinating. Some teams will take chances on prospects who have underachieved, dealt with injuries or have character concerns. Others want a sure thing. There are a variety of factors ranging from salary cap and job status to positional need and overall depth. Based on those four players, I’d say Smith has the most opportunity for upward mobility at pro day. The other players are more finished products.

Can you break down Fran McCaffery’s rotations? The last couple of games it appears that Joe Toussaint and Connor McCaffery have had their minutes reduced. Is it injuries, performance or off-the-court issues?

Matthew F.

Joe T’s minutes over the last eight games have been erratic. I recognize that he can make mistakes with the ball, but no more than Iowa’s other point guards. Based on this, is their reason for concern for him entering the transfer portal this offseason? He should be the clear-cut favorite for starting point guard mins next year, but the rotations and minutes are saying that might not be the case.

Robert K.

Do you have any specifics or clarity as to C.J. Fredrick’s “lower leg” injury? Is it an Achilles issue? Ankle sprain? Plantar fasciitis? Bunions? Thanks.

Scott L.

Rather than examine all of the basketball rotations, I centered more on the backcourt minutes over the last six games. Jordan Bohannon (29.5 minutes per game) and Connor McCaffery (23.1) recorded the majority of minutes over that span. Neither one should be a surprise. McCaffery had reduced minutes against Rutgers for what appeared to be a minor injury but he bounced back with normal playing time at Michigan State. Nothing has changed there.

C.J. Fredrick’s situation will remain “day to day” for the rest of the season, coach Fran McCaffery said last week. That’s why Fredrick played more than 11 minutes against Rutgers and was unable to compete at Michigan State. Both Fredrick and Fran McCaffery are vague in describing his situation, but it’s likely to be either plantar fasciitis or a stress reaction. Both are incredibly painful and unpredictable. If Fredrick can play 20 minutes a game, he will.

As for the remaining three guards, productivity and consistency are critical toward getting on the floor. It is inarguable Joe Toussaint has the most experience and longer resume. But he has seven turnovers over the last six games while averaging just 10 minutes per contest. A few of those were critical, late-half mistakes, like a sloppy inbounds pass at Indiana and a traveling call in the backcourt with four seconds left in the half against Rutgers. Toussaint has a skill set that Iowa needs and can be a valuable weapon at both ends of the floor. But if he makes inexplicable mistakes, he’s going to sit.

Tony Perkins (8.5) and Ahron Ulis (4.2) also see action, and it seems like Perkins has taken minutes away from Toussaint. Perkins hustles with 11 rebounds over six games and has four assists to two turnovers. Likewise, Ulis has five rebounds, one assist and no turnovers. As Iowa gets into the toughest part of its schedule, I would anticipate the backcourt minutes to be dispersed based on risk aversion.

Seems like Joe Wieskamp has taken a step forward. What do you think is different about his game or approach that is allowing him to become the player we think he can be? To me, it seems like he is hunting shots more. Iowa needs him to be another alpha to finish strong this year.

Ross C.

Joe Wieskamp just needs to compete with swagger and keep shooting. With 26 points against Rutgers and 21 at Michigan State, Wieskamp was an easy choice for Big Ten Player of the Week. He’s a matchup nightmare because he can do so many things at an elite level.

Wieskamp’s second-half performances are what elevates the Hawkeyes, at least offensively. In both Indiana losses, Wieskamp had 15 points at halftime. Then he combined for four points in the second halves. Against Rutgers and Michigan State, he reached double figures in each half. That helps with team balance and batters a defense. Likewise, he scored 10 points after halftime in losses to both Ohio State and Illinois, but those were top-10 opponents in competitive games.

If Wieskamp continues to take at least five shots a half, then he’s involved and Iowa dictates half-court tempo at both the wing and post. If Wieskamp plays timidly or if the opponent takes him away, then others better step up on the perimeter.

When will the Big Ten make the officials accountable for the terrible officiating? Or why is the Big Ten OK with not calling the game the way the rules are written? The old comment they are letting them play is getting old if you let them play meaning choosing not to call fouls you can never be consistent in your decision to call fouls.

Greg J.

Thanks, Greg, for the question. Consistency is an issue with basketball officiating, and it will be well into the future. More than any other sport, basketball officials face extra scrutiny because of the tight playing surface, the proximity to fans, coaches and players, and slow-motion television replays. Then you throw in a fast-moving sport with 10 players, one ball and six set of eyes, it’s a wonder they get as many things right as they do.

This doesn’t give the officials a pass, and there are times they need to be called out. There is no way Illinois didn’t foul Iowa in the final 10 minutes and 4 seconds of regulation in Champaign last month. Not with those players or that style of defense. I’m not arguing with the outcome; I’d love to see those ancient rivals play 10 times this season, and I think each team would win five. But there were plenty of missed calls in that second half that deserve a little sunshine.

Basketball officials have a careful balancing act of avoiding ticky-tack calls but whistling legitimate fouls concurrently with moving the game along. Nobody wants to see 60 free throws and a regulation game exceeding 2 hours and 15 minutes. Typically, what I see in the Big Ten are officials who start off calling closely then back off as the fouls pile up. They let physical play go rather than call everything. Unless the national basketball caretakers are willing to absorb a high volume of foul calls for a year or two to loosen up freedom of movement, it’s always going to be a grind.

I asked Seth Davis this, too, but I’m very curious to hear your thoughts about the Wooden Award race as well. Seems like it’s been Luka Garza’s award to lose throughout the season, but given Illinois guard Ayo Dosunmu’s performance recently, I’m wondering how much he’s closed the gap. Do you see Ayo (or any other player for that matter) being able to catch up to Garza, or do you think Luka has the award locked down at this point?

Brian L.

Seth pretty much answered this question, but as a Wooden voter, I view the award in a similar vein to the Heisman Trophy. I usually pick the nation’s best player, provided the candidate competes for a good team. I thought Garza was the nation’s best player last year, but with Iowa hovering around No. 25, it left an opening for voters to select a different player from a great team, such as Dayton’s Obi Toppin.

If Iowa remains a top-10 team, especially with its remaining schedule, then I think Garza takes home the trophy. If Iowa splits its final six games and finishes Big Ten play 12-8 while Illinois ends up 16-4 and ranked in the top five, then Dosunmu could pull it away. Remember: Mark McGwire hit a then-record 70 home runs in 1998 but lost the National League MVP to Sammy Sosa, who hit 66. Why? Sosa’s team reached the playoffs.

Barring another wrestling championships cancelation, do you see any way Iowa does not win the national championship? Having guys ranked in the top five at almost every weight class, the Hawkeyes seem too tough to beat.

Josh K.

There’s no question Iowa is the nation’s best wrestling team in both duals and in a tournament. The Hawkeyes could win titles at 125 (Spencer Lee), 141 (Jaydin Eierman), 165 (Alex Marinelli) and 174 (Michael Kemerer) and pick up All-American nods at the other six weight classes. So, unless the team’s current pause for COVID-19 issues lingers well into March, Iowa should drive back with some nice hardware from St. Louis this year.

(Top photo of Chris Doyle: Michael Allio / Icon Sportswire via AP Images)