Iowa’s Top Pick For Offensive Coordinator Says No To Hawkeyes

As high-profile coaching positions at schools like Alabama and Washington get filled, the Iowa Hawkeyes are still looking for their new offensive coordinator. And Kirk Ferentz's top choice has said 'no thanks.'

Hawk Central reports that Iowa had offered the offensive coordinator position to former Wisconsin head coach Paul Chryst. He seemed a perfect fit for Iowa. After taking over for Barry Alverez in 2005, Chryst eventually turned the Badger offense into one of the best in the Big Ten, averaging 44.1 points per game in 2011 and producing 48 rushing touchdowns in back-to-back seasons in Madison.

Plus, Hawk Central reports that Chryst is a Midwest guy. He has plenty of knowledge about Iowa's Big Ten Trophy rivals, Wisconsin, Nebraska, and Minnesota. Heck, his nephew even works for the Iowa football program as a senior analyst for Kirk Ferentz.

But Hawk Central reports, and the Des Moines Register confirms that while Chryst was offered the job, he officially turned it down, deciding to stay at the University of Texas, where he was an analyst last season. So now where does Iowa turn? Perhaps the same place it turned 25 years ago.

It is a turbulent time of year for coaches in the NFL too. Plenty of high-caliber coordinators might just be looking to return to college. Just ask Iowa how that worked out. Hawk Central reports that 25 years ago they hired a former assistant with the Baltimore Ravens to replace Hayden Fry. Kirk Ferentz. I think most Iowa fans would say that choice has worked out well.

The search continues.