Former Hawkeyes React To Doyle Departure

Players post on social media after Iowa parts ways with strength and conditioning coach.

Monday's announcement that Iowa and football strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle had reached a separation agreement brought social media reaction from former players who had alleged racial disparities within the program.

Doyle, who has been on the Iowa staff for 21 years, was the focus of many of the allegations.

TV cameras record Gary Barta's press conference on Monday. (Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen for USA Today Sports)

On June 5, James Daniels tweeted about "too many racial disparities" in the program, and that "black players have been treated unfairly for too long." His tweet sparked a conversation, with numerous fellow Hawkeyes speaking out about their experience with the program.

There are too many racial disparities in the Iowa football program. Black players have been treated unfairly for far too long.

— James Daniels (@jamsdans) June 6, 2020

On Monday, former Iowa linebacker Pat Angerer expressed his gratitude for his strength and conditioning coach.

Marcel Joly, a former defensive lineman, toasted Doyle's departure and retweeted USA Today columnist Dan Wolken's thoughts on the situation.

Cheers 🥂 pic.twitter.com/HLkggnmw3k

— HaitianQ🇭🇹🐶 (@__haitianprince) June 15, 2020

❗️❗️ https://t.co/TsthIdHYDl

— HaitianQ🇭🇹🐶 (@__haitianprince) June 15, 2020

Former Hawkeye long snapper Tyler Kluver tweeted that he owes a lot to Doyle and understands his importance.

I owe much of who I am to Chris Doyle and that Iowa Program. Doesnt mean hes perfect, but it does mean hes important to me. I do believe now that Iowa will be better without him moving forward. I know who I think should replace him. Will discuss on next episode, whenever that is.

— Tyler Kluver (@TylerKluver) June 15, 2020

Jaleel Johnson, who currently plays on the defensive line for Minnesota, sent out a simple (yet powerful) tweet after the announcement.

😌

— Jaleel Johnson (@leellxvii) June 15, 2020

Former Iowa football player Matt Melloy tweeted his thanks to Doyle, saying he was proud to have called him his coach.

Thank you for everything @coach_Doyle You made a lasting impact in my life. I’m Proud to have called you my coach!

— Matt Melloy (@mmelloy84) June 15, 2020

And finally, James Daniels tweeted once more, this time posting a meme when Iowa athletics director Gary Barta said during his Monday press conference that he had spoken with a "former student athlete."

“Had discussions with a former student athlete” pic.twitter.com/YeroITVTwW

— James Daniels (@jamsdans) June 15, 2020

Barta said an independent review into the allegations would take place immediately, and that he expected the results from the inquiry to be reported "in weeks, not months."

Follow Adam Hensley on Twitter @A_Hens83