Iowa, Doyle Reach Separation Agreement

Strength and conditioning coach was on administrative leave after allegations of making racial comments.

Gary Barta knew that he couldn't wait for the conclusion of the independent review into allegations of racial disparities into the Iowa football program to make a decision on strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.

That is why, after negotiations with Doyle over the weekend, the two sides reached a separation agreement that was announced Monday morning.

Doyle had been on administrative leave pending an independent review into allegations that he had made racial comments to players. 

"I knew the independent review is going to occur," Barta, Iowa's athletics director, said in a press conference Monday afternoon. "But I also knew that we needed to think of things that made sense, that were thoughtful and sensible moving forward."

"I just decided it made sense. It was just a move forward."

Barta said he and head coach Kirk Ferentz were in "full agreement" on the decision.

"I started having conversations with Chris," Barta said. "I thought this was an important step moving forward."

Barta said the agreement was reached on Sunday.

Iowa also announced the university's Office of General Counsel has contacted the Kansas City law firm of Husch Blackwell to conduct the independent review. Barta said the review would begin immediately and would take, "weeks, not months."

Barta said there was "no hard date" on when it would be completed.

"We don't need an independent review to tell us we have issues," Barta said. "We know we have issues. We have began taking steps to improve and move forward.

"However, the independent review is important in order to look into specific concerns that have been brought forward, to clarify (and) maybe expand on some things we are aware of."

Doyle has been at Iowa since Ferentz was hired in 1999.

According to the agreement, Doyle voluntarily resigned from the university on Monday. The agreement also states it is "not a resignation in lieu of termination."

Doyle will be paid 15 months of base salary in two lump-sum payments of $556,249.50 on Aug. 1, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021. The university will also pay health and dental insurance premiums through Sept. 1, 2021, or until Doyle begins employment with health benefits elsewhere.

Doyle released a statement:

Iowa City has been home to our family for 21 years. I am grateful Iowa football provided an opportunity to work with incredible players, coaches, and support staff. I have worked diligently to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes, support them as they speak out, and look forward to continued growth. I am confident that my record and character will be confirmed in the course of the independent review. The University and I have reached an agreement and it is time to move on from Iowa football. My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter.

Raimond Braithwaite will continue as interim director of the football strength and conditioning program.

"This was not a decision that I made lightly," Barta said. "It is one piece of a plan that's needed moving forward."