Iowa Football Announces Coaching Changes

Seth Wallace Promoted to Assistant Head Coach, Phil Parker Gets Pay Raise

'23 Bettendorf (IA) Pleasant Valley LB Rusty VanWetzinga IV (left) and Iowa assistant Seth Wallace (Rob Howe/HawkeyeNation.com)

IOWA CITY, Iowa - University of Iowa Moon Family Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz announced on Tuesday a couple coaching changes.

Seth Wallace has been named Assistant Head Coach for the Hawkeye football program. This is the first time an assistant head coach has been named under Ferentz.

“Seth is an excellent coach and has been an asset to our coaching staff for many years,” said Ferentz. “He works tirelessly to develop our players into outstanding men on and off the field. I am grateful that he is a part of our program.”

In addition to his role as Assistant Head Football coach, Wallace will continue his responsibilities as Assistant Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach for the Hawkeye football program. Wallace’s base salary is being increased from $755,000 to $1,000,000 annually.

“Being able to coach at the University of Iowa with such great players, coaches and staff members is really an honor,” said Wallace. “The University of Iowa and this football program are both very special to me. I am appreciative of this new, expanded role and look forward to preparing our athletes for the upcoming season and beyond.”

Under Wallace’s leadership, Iowa’s linebacking corps has consistently been one of the nation’s best. Over the past eight years, Wallace has coached five linebackers who have garnered All-America recognition, including unanimous consensus selections Josey Jewell (2017) and Jack Campbell (2022). Most recently, Jay Higgins was honored as a first-team All-American in 2023. An Iowa linebacker has led the Big Ten in total tackles each of the past three seasons. Wallace has mentored 11 linebackers to all-conference status and eight players have gone on to play in the National Football League.

Ferentz also made the following announcements:

Phil Parker’s contract as defensive coordinator is being amended to a base salary of $1,900,000 annually. This past season Parker was the recipient of the Broyles Award, awarded to the top assistant coach in college football, and the American Football Coaches Association Assistant Coach of the Year Award.

Parker’s defenses consistently rank among the best in the country. The Hawkeyes ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (14.8) and passing efficiency defense (102.1), fifth in passing yards per game (170.7), and seventh in total defense (282.5) in 2023. Iowa allowed one touchdown or less in 10 games in 2023 and in 19 of the last 28 games. Iowa’s defense has yielded 400 yards or fewer in 28 straight games dating back to the 2021 season -- the longest active streak nationally.

Kelton Copeland’s contract as wide receivers coach has not been renewed. “I appreciate Kelton’s contribution to the Hawkeye staff and wish him the very best,” Ferentz said.

The search for an offensive coordinator is ongoing and an announcement is expected in the near future.