Iowa Fires Longtime Coach Fran McCaffery After Disappointing Season

Iowa has officially fired head basketball coach Fran McCaffery after 15 seasons, concluding his tenure with a 297-207 record and seven NCAA Tournament appearances. The decision follows a disappointing season where the Hawkeyes finished 17-16 and experienced their lowest Big Ten regular-season finish in seven years, exacerbated by declining attendance and an ejection during their season-ending loss to Illinois. Athletic Director Beth Goetz acknowledged McCaffery's contributions but emphasized the need for change as the program struggled to attract elite talent. Despite a late-season rally that included a win against Nebraska, the overall performance led to mounting calls for his dismissal. McCaffery, who had expressed intentions to return for a 16th season, will receive a $4.2 million buyout as part of the separation. The program now faces the challenge of finding a new head coach to revitalize its competitive standing.