McCollum Dismisses Rumors of Leaving Iowa After Elite Eight Run

The Hawkeyes' head coach says he has no plans to depart after a successful first season in Iowa City.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 6:53pm

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A fragmented, cubist-style painting depicting the energy and movement of a college basketball game, with the bright colors of the Iowa and North Carolina uniforms breaking down into sharp geometric shapes and planes.McCollum's commitment to Iowa despite coaching rumors reflects the program's rapid rise and his desire to build something sustainable.Missouri Valley Today

Ben McCollum, who led Iowa to the Elite Eight in his first season as head coach, has dismissed rumors that he could leave the program after such a quick turnaround. McCollum, who previously coached at Northwest Missouri State and Drake, says he has no plans to pursue other jobs and is committed to staying with the Hawkeyes.

Why it matters

McCollum's rapid rise has made him an attractive candidate for other high-profile coaching jobs, including the recent opening at North Carolina. His ability to quickly turn around struggling programs has put him on the radar of major college basketball powers, making it important for Iowa to keep him in the fold.

The details

McCollum got his start in coaching at Division II Northwest Missouri State, where he won four national championships from 2009 to 2024. He then spent one season at Drake, leading the Bulldogs to a 31-4 record and an NCAA tournament upset of Missouri. After that, he took over the Iowa program, leading the Hawkeyes to a 24-13 record and an unexpected run to the Elite Eight in his first season.

  • McCollum was hired as Iowa's head coach after the 2024-25 season.
  • In his first season with the Hawkeyes in 2025-26, the team went 24-13 and reached the Elite Eight of the NCAA tournament.

The players

Ben McCollum

The head coach of the Iowa men's basketball team, who previously coached at Northwest Missouri State and Drake.

Fran McCaffery

The former head coach of the Iowa men's basketball team, who was let go after 15 seasons with the program.

Hubert Davis

The former head coach of the North Carolina men's basketball team, who was fired after an up-and-down tenure.

Caleb Wilson

A star freshman for North Carolina who was injured for the stretch run of the 2025-26 season.

Jacque Vaughn

An assistant coach at Kansas who could be a candidate to replace Bill Self if he retires.

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What they’re saying

“Yes. Those are—whatever those are ... those are all lies.”

— Ben McCollum, Head Coach, Iowa

“As far as the rumors, I've already taken eight jobs already, so I'm sure, you know, it is what it is. But it floats around every year and that's what it is. It comes with success. That's what happens with success. It's just one of those things that's tough, but it is what it is.”

— Ben McCollum, Head Coach, Drake

What’s next

North Carolina is expected to make a high-profile hire to replace Hubert Davis, and McCollum could be a candidate if he continues to have success at Iowa. However, McCollum has stated he has no plans to leave the Hawkeyes.

The takeaway

McCollum's rapid rise through the coaching ranks has made him a hot commodity, but his commitment to building the Iowa program suggests he is not looking to jump to another job anytime soon. The Hawkeyes' unexpected Elite Eight run has only increased his profile, but he appears focused on continuing to develop the team in Iowa City.