The Iowa men's basketball program is on the verge of a significant transformation as it finalizes the hiring of Ben McCollum, the head coach of the Drake Bulldogs. Following the dismissal of Fran McCaffery after 15 seasons, the move to appoint McCollum marks a pivotal moment for the Hawkeyes, who ended the recent season with a disappointing 17-16 record, finishing tied for 12th in the Big Ten standings.
McCollum, an Iowa City native and regarded as one of the premier coaches in the NCAA, is set to bring his wealth of experience and success back to his home state. He is known for leading the Bulldogs to a remarkable 31-4 record this season, highlighted by a Missouri Valley Conference Championship and the team's first NCAA Tournament victory since 1971. In their tournament journey, the Bulldogs pulled off an impressive upset against sixth-seeded Missouri, winning 67-57, before facing a tough loss to the third-seeded Texas Tech with a score of 77-64 in the Round of 32.
This hiring is not just another coaching transition; it represents a return to roots for McCollum, who began his basketball journey in Iowa. He played at North Iowa Area Community College before achieving notable success at Northwest Missouri State, where he amassed an extraordinary 395-91 record and secured four NCAA Division II National Championships during his tenure as head coach from 2009 to 2024.
Ben McCollum's expertise is expected to be an excellent fit for the Iowa program, which has often leaned towards a fast-paced offensive style under McCaffery. However, fans may need to prepare for a shift in philosophy as McCollum’s teams at Drake were known for their defensive prowess. According to Kenpom analytics, Drake’s defense was ranked 40th nationally, while their tempo was ranked 364th out of 364 teams, indicating a deliberate playing style that contrasts sharply with previous years under McCaffery.
Despite the excitement surrounding this transition, Iowa's previous season was marked by struggles. McCaffery, who became Iowa's all-time wins leader with 297 victories, led the team to seven NCAA Tournament appearances but never advanced past the Round of 32. Criticism of McCaffery grew loud amidst the team's lackluster performance this past season, which was capped off with a second-round exit in the Big Ten Tournament against Illinois. This loss featured an ejection for McCaffery following several technical fouls, symbolizing the frustrations that had built over the years.
Now, as the university prepares to welcome McCollum, there's tremendous anticipation for how he will reshape the Hawkeyes' identity on the court. His coaching philosophy will be critical, especially regarding player development and defensive strategy, both of which could help stabilize a program that has faced fluctuation recently.
McCollum is stepping into a role that many believe he was destined for, given his connection to the state and his impressive accomplishments, which include winning multiple Coach of the Year awards. He received the 2025 Missouri Valley Conference Coach of the Year award following his successful campaign with Drake. His leadership capabilities will be put to the test, particularly as he seeks to create a solid foundation for future success at Iowa.
The transition period for Iowa begins as the 30-day window opens for players to enter the transfer portal, following the coaching change. This could significantly impact the team's roster, with an opportunity for McCollum to attract former players from Drake as he looks to build a competitive squad in the Big Ten.
Looking ahead, the interactions McCollum will have with his players will be crucial in establishing trust and setting the tone for the program's future, as it adjusts to a new phase under his leadership. The Hawkeyes will find that embracing a defense-first mentality might take some work, but with McCollum at the helm, they hope to evolve into a formidable presence in the conference moving forward.
As Iowa continues its journey, fans and analysts alike are eager to see what McCollum can achieve. His intimate understanding of the program, combined with a proven history of success, lays a promising groundwork for the future of Iowa basketball.
