Ferentz Announces Coaching Staff Updates at University of Iowa football

Jay Norvell transitions to running backs coach, Mike Grant hired as senior analyst, and Brian Smith rejoins as defensive analyst

Mar. 31, 2026 at 3:30pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting in black, gold, and white, depicting fragmented and overlapping shapes that represent the various elements of a college football game, conceptually illustrating the strategic changes to the University of Iowa's coaching staff.The University of Iowa's coaching staff shakeup aims to provide fresh perspectives and experienced leadership to the Hawkeyes' football program.Madison Today

University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz announced several updates to his coaching staff on Monday. Jay Norvell, a former Hawkeye player, will transition to running backs coach after the departure of Omar Young. Mike Grant, with over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, has been hired as the team's senior analyst on offense. Brian Smith, who previously served as a defensive graduate assistant and analyst for Iowa, will rejoin the program as a defensive analyst.

Why it matters

These coaching staff changes come as the University of Iowa football team looks to build on its recent success and compete for a Big Ten championship. The additions of experienced coaches like Norvell, Grant, and Smith are expected to provide valuable expertise and leadership to the program.

The details

Jay Norvell, a former first-team All-Big Ten honoree and Iowa MVP, will take over as the running backs coach after Omar Young left for a similar position with the Las Vegas Raiders. Mike Grant, with over 30 years of collegiate coaching experience, has been hired as the team's senior analyst on offense. Brian Smith, who previously served as a defensive graduate assistant and analyst for Iowa, will rejoin the program as a defensive analyst, working alongside assistant head coach and assistant defensive coordinator Seth Wallace.

  • On March 31, 2026, University of Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz announced the coaching staff updates.
  • Jay Norvell transitions to running backs coach after Omar Young departed for the Las Vegas Raiders last month.
  • Mike Grant has been hired as the team's senior analyst on offense.
  • Brian Smith rejoins the program as a defensive analyst.

The players

Kirk Ferentz

The University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach, who announced the coaching staff updates.

Jay Norvell

A former Hawkeye player who won 35 games and advanced to four bowl games during his four-year career (1982-85). He was a first-team All-Big Ten honoree and an Iowa MVP his senior season in 1985. Norvell will now transition to running backs coach.

Omar Young

The former Iowa running backs coach who departed for a similar position with the Las Vegas Raiders.

Mike Grant

An experienced collegiate coach with over 30 years of experience, who has been hired as the team's senior analyst on offense.

Brian Smith

A former defensive graduate assistant and analyst for Iowa, who will rejoin the program as a defensive analyst, working alongside assistant head coach and assistant defensive coordinator Seth Wallace.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

The takeaway

The University of Iowa football program is making strategic moves to strengthen its coaching staff, bringing in experienced and accomplished individuals to help the team continue its success and compete at the highest level in the Big Ten conference.