Iowa fires longtime basketball coach Fran McCaffery

The University of Iowa is in search of a new head coach for its men’s basketball program after parting ways with Fran McCaffery, who had been at the helm for 15 seasons. McCaffery’s tenure ended on a sour note, with the team finishing with a 17-16 record and missing out on the NCAA Tournament for the second year in a row.

The decision to let go of McCaffery came after a tumultuous season that culminated in his ejection during Iowa’s loss to Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament. Known for his fiery demeanor on the sidelines, McCaffery’s outburst led to his fifth career ejection and ultimately sealed his fate as the Hawkeyes’ head coach.

Despite expressing his intention to return for another season, McCaffery’s dismissal was confirmed by Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz, who praised his contributions to the program over the years. Under McCaffery’s guidance, the Hawkeyes made seven NCAA Tournament appearances and secured a Big Ten Tournament championship in 2023.

Before his time at Iowa, McCaffery had successful coaching stints at Siena, UNC Greensboro, and Lehigh. His son, Connor, also had a connection to the program, having played for the Hawkeyes and now serving as an assistant coach at Butler. Connor’s relationship with former Iowa star Caitlin Clark added another layer of ties between the McCaffery family and the basketball world.

As Iowa begins the search for a new head coach, the program will look to build on the foundation laid by McCaffery while ushering in a new era of leadership. The university expressed gratitude for McCaffery’s dedication to the student-athletes and his passion for the game, acknowledging the lasting impact he has had on the basketball program.