The Iowa football team came into last season as one of the most stable programs in the country. Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz has been with the program for 13 years and by and large, most of his assistants have been right there with him.
But when the program heads into next season, things will look very different on the sidelines.
Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker retired shortly after the season and Friday it was announced that Offensive Coordinator Ken O'Keefe has decided to leave the program for another coaching opporunity.
O'Keefe is expected to be the quarterbacks coach for the Miami Dolphins in the National Football League. He had spent the past 12 seasons as Iowa's QB coach.
“Ken O’Keefe has decided to leave our Iowa staff for another coaching opportunity,” Ferentz said. “Ken’s work contributed greatly to our program’s success during the past 13 years, and more impressively to the growth and development of the young men in our program. We wish Ken and Joanne the most success in this new chapter of his career.”
Ferentz still has not hired a new defensive coordinator, but that announcement is expected to be made at a press conference Wednesday. The long-time Iowa coach may not announce his new OC at that point, but it is safe to say he may have to move much quicker with this one.
Internal candidates for O'Keefe's position include Wide Receivers Coach Erik Campbell, who would likely be a popular choice among Hawkeye fans. Also, Running Back and Special Teams Coach Lester Erb and makes some sense as well. I do not think Assistant Coaches Eric Johnson and Reese Morgan will be considered for the position.
Another candidate for the position could be Ferentz's oldest son -- Brian Ferentz, who is currently the tight ends coach for the New England Patriots and will be coaching in the Super Bowl on Sunday.
There has been plenty of specualation recently that no matter what Brian Ferentz will join the Iowa staff in some capacity. Campbell has been offered head coaching positions at other schools, so there is no doubt he is qualified and would be a great fit.
Whoever Ferentz looks at for this position, he should act quickly. Spring practices start in March and it is paramount that an OC is in place before that. And if the OC is not a QB guy, then Ferentz will have to look at that opening as well.
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