IOWA CITY, Iowa – Iowa’s football program is undergoing a significant offensive shift with the hiring of former Western Michigan coach Tim Lester. Lester, 46, has been appointed to rejuvenate Iowa’s struggling offense, aiming to address the team’s recent underperformance.
Lester steps in to replace Brian Ferentz, the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, who concluded the previous season on the coaching staff. Athletic director Beth Goetz informed Brian Ferentz in late October that he would not be returning for the 2024 season, opening the door for a new offensive coordinator.
Lester brings with him a wealth of coaching experience, having spent a year as a senior analyst for the Green Bay Packers after his tenure at Western Michigan came to an end in 2022. Coach Kirk Ferentz expressed his confidence in Lester, saying, “His experience as both a head coach and a coordinator at several different levels of football gives him an excellent perspective. I believe his expertise and personality make him a perfect fit for this position.”
During his six seasons at Western Michigan, Lester achieved a record of 37-32. Notably, he had previously excelled as a star quarterback for WMU in the late 1990s. His coaching journey also includes roles as the quarterbacks coach at Purdue in 2016 and offensive coordinator at Syracuse in 2014-2015. Additionally, Lester has coaching experience in Divisions II and III.
Lester expressed his enthusiasm for the new challenge, stating, “When you have coached at every level of football like I have, you have a true appreciation for an opportunity like this at the University of Iowa. I know the tradition and history of the Hawkeye program, and I am excited to get to work with the outstanding players and coaches.”
Iowa has grappled with offensive struggles, ranking at the bottom of the Big Ten’s offensive statistics for two consecutive years and placing second-to-last in 2021. The offensive system implemented by Brian Ferentz received criticism for being outdated and unimaginative. Notably, Iowa was one of only two teams in the nation with a pass completion rate below 50% during the previous season. Additionally, seven wide receivers have entered the transfer portal over the past three years.
Despite offensive challenges, Iowa has maintained its competitive edge by winning 28 games since 2021, including two 10-win seasons. This success is largely attributed to Iowa’s formidable defense, consistently ranking among the nation’s best.
However, the team has struggled in high-stakes matchups, suffering significant defeats in crucial games, such as a 31-0 loss to Penn State, a 26-0 loss to Michigan in the Big Ten championship game, and a 35-0 loss to Tennessee in the Citrus Bowl during the previous season.
Tim Lester’s past coaching experiences indicate a mixed record in terms of offensive performance. While Lester’s offenses at Syracuse faced difficulties, ranking 13th in the 14-team Atlantic Coast Conference in 2014 and 2015, his tenure at WMU showcased promise. Western Michigan’s offense consistently ranked in the top 35 nationally in total offense for four consecutive seasons (2018-2021) under Lester, with him serving as the primary playcaller from 2018 to 2020. Nevertheless, his 2022 WMU offense, coordinated by Jeff Thorne, struggled, ranking as the worst in the Mid-American Conference, with 301 yards and 19 points per game.