Ben McCollum, head coach of Drake University, is in the process of finalizing a deal to become the new head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes men's basketball team.
McCollum led Drake to a Missouri Valley Conference regular season and tournament title in his first year.
He previously coached at Northwest Missouri State University, where he won four Division II national championships.
McCollum is known for his efficient halfcourt offense.
He replaces Fran McCaffery, who was the previous head coach at Iowa.
Why this matters:: This is a significant coaching change in college basketball, with a highly successful coach moving from a mid-major program (Drake) to a major conference program (Iowa) in the Big Ten.
Ben McCollum's success at Northwest Missouri State was remarkable, boasting a 394-91 record and four national championships (2017, 2019, 2021, 2022). His teams were consistently ranked at the top in adjusted offensive efficiency. His immediate success at Drake, leading them to a 31-4 record and an NCAA tournament appearance, further solidified his coaching prowess. This move to Iowa represents a step up in competition, moving from the Missouri Valley Conference to the Big Ten. It's a significant hire for Iowa as they try to replace their long time, all time wins leader, coach, Fran McCaffery. McCollum's offensive strategies and player development skills will be closely watched as he transitions to the higher level of competition. This also impacts the coaching landscape, removing a top candidate from consideration for other openings, like at West Virginia University.
Q: Who is Ben McCollum?
Ben McCollum is the current head coach of the Drake University men's basketball team and is expected to be the next head coach for Iowa. He previously coached at Northwest Missouri State University, winning four national championships.
Q: Why is Fran McCaffery no longer the coach at Iowa?
Reports indicate that Fran McCaffery was let go by the Iowa Hawkeyes.
Q: What conference does Iowa play in?
Iowa plays in the Big Ten Conference.
Iowa basketball is entering a new era with Ben McCollum, a coach with a proven track record of success.
Fans can expect a focus on efficient offense, a hallmark of McCollum's coaching style.
This hire shows Iowa's commitment to remaining competitive in the Big Ten.
It's a good time to invest in following the program given this change.
Will Ben McCollum's success translate to the Big Ten? Let us know your thoughts! Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
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