Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz put strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle on administrative leave Saturday, pending an independent review, after a rash of complaints from black former players detailing a negative culture.
Calling it a “defining moment for the Iowa Hawkeye football program,” Ferentz announced the move in a video posted to social media.
“Over the past 24 hours I have seen some difficult and heartbreaking posts on social media,” Ferentz said in the video. “I appreciate the formers players’ candor and have been reaching out to many of them individually to hear more about their experiences in our program. I am planning on talking to all of them in the coming days.”
Some social media posts were critical of a dysfunctional culture for black players, while others mentioned Doyle by name.
Former Hawkeye and current Chicago Bears offensive lineman James Daniels tweeted Friday night that “there are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.”
Another former Hawkeye, Tennessee Titans cornerback Amani Hooker, responded to that tweet to say that “it would be difficult for black players to walk around the facility and be themselves.”
Former Iowa linebacker Terrance Pryor spoke of “many racist incidents,” including one where he says Doyle said, “Black people don’t like boats in water, do they?”
Ferentz also announced the creation of an advisory committee to be chaired by a former player and be composed of current and former players as well as department staff.
Doyle has been the strength and conditioning coach for the entirety of Ferentz’s tenure at Iowa, since 1999. He’s the highest-paid strength coach in the country, according to ESPN.
