Kirk Ferentz announces coaching staff adjustments
Kirk Ferentz announced a few coaching staff changes on Tuesday afternoon. But, one of them wasn’t who would be leading the Iowa offense in the 2024 season. The search for an offensive coordinator continues, but Iowa is rewarding two assistant coaches on the defensive side of the ball.
For the first time in his tenure, Ferentz has had an assistant head coach on his staff. That title will be given to linebackers coach Seth Wallace. This off-season, Wallace has been pursued by several other power five programs.
“Seth is an excellent coach and has been an asset to our coaching staff for many years,” said Ferentz. “He works tirelessly to develop our players into outstanding men on and off the field. I am grateful that he is a part of our program.”
In addition to his role as Assistant Head Football coach, Wallace will continue his responsibilities as Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach for the Hawkeye football program. Wallace’s base salary is being increased from $755,000 to $1,000,000 annually.
“Being able to coach at the University of Iowa with such great players, coaches and staff members is really an honor,” said Wallace. “The University of Iowa and this football program are both very special to me. I am appreciative of this new, expanded role and look forward to preparing our athletes for the upcoming season and beyond.”
Wallace started his coaching career at Coe College and then Lake Forest before landing a graduate assistant coach position at Iowa in 2005-06. He then moved on to Valdosta State from 2009-13 before returning to Iowa as the recruiting coordinator for two years. Then he moved into an on the field role in 2015. He has been listed as the associate defensive coordinator in recent years.
With his new title, Wallace will see his salary increase from $755,000 to $1,000,000 per year.
Ferentz also announced that defensive coordinator Phil Parker will be seeing his salary increase. Parker, who won the Broyles Award, which is given to the top assistant coach in the country, will see his salary jump to 1,900,000 per year. Several power five programs has reached out to Parker since the end of the season.
Parker’s defenses consistently rank among the best in the country. The Hawkeyes ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (14.8) and passing efficiency defense (102.1), fifth in passing yards per game (170.7), and seventh in total defense (282.5) in 2023. Iowa allowed one touchdown or less in 10 games in 2023 and in 19 of the last 28 games. Iowa’s defense has yielded 400 yards or fewer in 28 straight games dating back to the 2021 season — the longest active streak nationally.
Finally, Ferentz officially confirmed that wide receivers coach Kelton Copeland would not be returning for the 2024 season. The release says that his contract was not renewed.
“I appreciate Kelton’s contribution to the Hawkeye staff and wish him the very best,” Ferentz said.
