UI Announces 4 New Football Staff Hires

New analysts and quality control coaches join Hawkeyes' program

Published on Feb. 7, 2026

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The University of Iowa has announced the hiring of four new staff members to support the football program under head coach Kirk Ferentz. The new hires include Jay Norvell as senior football analyst (offense), Kevin Spencer as special teams quality control, Kyle Hazell as football analyst (offense), and Mac McLeran as football analyst (defense).

Why it matters

These new hires will provide additional support and expertise to the Hawkeyes' coaching staff as they prepare for the upcoming season. Analysts can offer fresh perspectives on trends and opportunities, while quality control coaches focus on specialized areas like special teams to help improve the team in all phases of the game.

The details

Norvell is a former Hawkeye player who has extensive coaching experience at the college and professional levels, including head coaching stints at Nevada and Colorado State. Spencer returns to Iowa City after previous stints with the Hawkeyes, bringing nearly 50 years of coaching experience, most notably in the NFL. Hazell and McLeran are rising young coaches who have experience developing players at the FCS and Group of 5 levels.

  • The new hires were announced on Friday, February 7, 2026.

The players

Kirk Ferentz

The University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach, who announced the new hires.

Jay Norvell

A former Hawkeye player who will serve as the senior football analyst (offense).

Kevin Spencer

An experienced coach who returns to Iowa as the special teams quality control coach.

Kyle Hazell

A young coach who joins the Hawkeyes as a football analyst (offense).

Mac McLeran

A former Iowa high school standout who will serve as a football analyst (defense).

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What they’re saying

“Hiring analysts to support our football program makes us better in every way. Analysts allow our coaching staff to get a jump start on preparation and can offer a fresh perspective on trends and opportunities as we prepare for the season. I am pleased to add these four leaders to support our football program.”

— Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach (1630kcjj.com)

“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, University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach (1630kcjj.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, University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach (1630kcjj.com)

“Kyle and Mac both have experience in player development and have helped their programs improve at every level. We look forward to Kyle joining our offensive staff and Mac becoming involved with our defensive staff.”

— Kirk Ferentz, University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach (1630kcjj.com)

What’s next

The new staff members will begin their roles immediately as the Hawkeyes prepare for the upcoming 2026 season.

The takeaway

The addition of these four new staff members demonstrates the Hawkeyes' commitment to continuously improving their football program through innovative coaching and support roles. Their diverse backgrounds and expertise will provide valuable insights and perspectives to help the team reach new heights.