After 15 years of leadership of the Hawkeyes, Iowa dismissed men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery.
Iowa dropped 106-94 to Illinois earlier this week, ending their 2024-25 NCAA basketball season abruptly. Before March Madness ever started, the Hawkeyes were dropped in the second round of the Big Ten Tournament, therefore ending their campaign.
McCaffery – whose son Connor is seeing Caitlin Clark – has been let go as a result. Iowa compiled a 297-207 record and a 143-141 mark in conference play throughout his 15 seasons as their head coach, but he never had a great run in March Madness.
Seven times under McCaffery, the Hawkeyes qualified for the NCAA Tournament; unfortunately, they never advanced past the Round of 32. His best season running the Hawkeyes, which led by Keegan Murray had a 26–10 overall record, a 12–8 conference mark, and won the Big Ten Tournament for the first time since 2006.
McCaffery was unable, nevertheless, to revive comparable success this season. Before their season-ending loss and Big Ten Tournament departure in which McCaffrey was expelled following a pair of technical fouls, Iowa concluded the regular season with a 16-15 record including going 7-13 in conference play.
McCaffery answered firmly when asked whether he anticipated to be coaching Iowa next season. He said, rather simply: “I do.”
McCaffery has also had head coaching positions at Siena (2005-10), UNC Greensboro (1999-2005) and Lehigh (1995–98). Originally signed to remain at Iowa through the 2027–28 season, his contract will now pay him $4.2 million.
Connor, McCaffery’s son, helps Butler as an assistant coach. Jack, his other brother, has committed to Butler for the 2025 season; Patrick, his younger brother, is completing his last season at the Bulldogs.
Given her bond with Connor, Clark will probably show up more for Butler events moving forward. Maybe McCaffery Sr. will also be present, particularly given he has more free time on hand now for the first time in well over a decade.
Over the offseason, Iowa is about start looking for their next head coach. March Madness starts on Thursday, March 20 meanwhile.