Iowa Football Announces New Staff Additions

Head coach Kirk Ferentz adds four new members to the coaching staff, including veteran offensive analyst Jay Norvell.

Published on Feb. 6, 2026

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The University of Iowa football program announced four new staff additions on Friday, including the formal hiring of Jay Norvell as a senior offensive analyst. Norvell, a former Iowa player in the 1980s, brings over three decades of coaching experience at the college and NFL levels. The Hawkeyes also added Kyle Hazell as an offensive analyst, Kevin Spencer as a special teams quality control coach, and Mac McLeran as a defensive analyst.

Why it matters

The new hires bring a wealth of coaching experience to Iowa's staff as they look to build on their 2021 Big Ten Championship season. Norvell's expertise as an offensive analyst could help elevate the Hawkeyes' offense, while Spencer's special teams acumen and McLeran's defensive knowledge aim to round out the coaching staff.

The details

Norvell will serve as a senior offensive analyst, working alongside offensive coordinator Tim Lester. Hazell previously held graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach roles at Toledo and Youngstown State. Spencer rejoins Iowa after stints in the NFL and as a special teams quality control coach for the Hawkeyes in 2017-18. McLeran comes to Iowa after four years as a defensive coach at Southern Illinois University.

  • Norvell's hiring was officially announced on Friday, February 6, 2026.
  • Iowa's 2023 football season begins on September 5 against Northern Illinois.

The players

Kirk Ferentz

The head coach of the University of Iowa football team.

Jay Norvell

A former Iowa player in the 1980s who is joining the Hawkeyes' staff as a senior offensive analyst, bringing over three decades of coaching experience at the college and NFL levels.

Kyle Hazell

An offensive analyst who previously held graduate assistant and assistant quarterbacks coach roles at Toledo and Youngstown State.

Kevin Spencer

A special teams quality control coach who is rejoining Iowa after stints in the NFL and as a special teams quality control coach for the Hawkeyes in 2017-18.

Mac McLeran

A defensive analyst who comes to Iowa after four years as a defensive coach at Southern Illinois University.

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What they’re saying

“'Jay was an outstanding player at the University of Iowa when I was here in the 1980's. He has a long and varied coaching career that will be a real benefit to our offensive coaching staff and players.'”

— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach (thegazette.com)

“'Kevin spent nearly three decades coaching in the National Football League and many years in college football. He knows first-hand the importance of special teams to our program and will be an asset to that unit going forward.'”

— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach (thegazette.com)

What’s next

Iowa's football season officially begins on September 5 against Northern Illinois at Kinnick Stadium.

The takeaway

The new hires bring a wealth of coaching experience to Iowa's staff as they look to build on their 2021 Big Ten Championship season. The additions of Norvell, Hazell, Spencer, and McLeran aim to strengthen the Hawkeyes' offense, special teams, and defense, positioning the program for continued success in the years ahead.