Kirk Ferentz talks to the media during the Big Ten Media days in Chicago.CHICAGO, Ill. (KTIV) -
The Iowa Hawkeyes have a few new additions to their coaching staff heading into this season.
Head Coach Kirk Ferentz promoting Phil Parker, who replaces Norm Parker as the new defensive coordinator.
Iowa ranked 60th nationally in total defense a season ago, giving up nearly 400 yards of offense per game to opponents.
The Hawkeyes return 6 starters on a defensive unit that finished 46th in the nation in scoring "D", giving up nearly 24 points per game.
Parker goes from being the defensive backs coach, to man in charge of the defense.
"He's had an ample opportunity to leave for other institutions as a coordinator," Ferentz said. "That wasn't the reason we elevated him. I thought he was the best choice of several good options."
Greg Davis takes over as offensive coordinator and joins the Hawkeyes after spending more than 10 years with the Texas Longhorns.
As a whole, Iowa ranked 76th in total offense and averaged just 27 points per game a year ago.
Quarterback James Vandenberg stands to improve greatly under the tutelage of Davis, who helped mold quarterbacks Vince Young, Colt McCoy and Chris Simms during his time in Austin.
"Offensively, we went a different route and hired Greg Davis. I thought we knew what we were getting. We hoped we knew what we were getting, but it's a little bit like marriage; until you get into the relationship, you're never sure what's going to happen," Ferentz added. "And Greg has just been a fantastic addition."
The Hawkeyes season begins September 1, against Northern Illinois.
