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Iowa running backs coach Ladell Betts takes job with New York Giants
Betts departs after four seasons on Kirk Ferentz’s staff
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IOWA CITY — Iowa running backs coach Ladell Betts is on his way to the NFL coaching ranks.
The New York Giants are hiring Betts as their next running backs coach, as initially reported by The Athletic and NFL Network and confirmed by a source to The Gazette on Monday morning. The Giants officially announced the hire Monday evening.
Betts departs Iowa after four years on Kirk Ferentz’s staff. He most notably oversaw the development of 2024 consensus All-American Kaleb Johnson, who had the most rushing yards in a single season for a Hawkeye since Shonn Greene in 2008.
The Iowa alum also worked in 2021 with Tyler Goodson, who has appeared in 22 NFL games since then as a member of the Indianapolis Colts. The New York Giants’ top running back is Tyrone Tracy, who played at Iowa as a wide receiver from 2018-21 before transferring to Purdue.
“It is no surprise that an opportunity like this came along,” Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. “The New York Giants are getting a tremendous coach and an outstanding person.”
Betts also made notable recruiting inroads in Florida although Iowa’s staff still has a strong connection to the prospect-rich state with tight ends coach Abdul Hodge.
Before joining Iowa’s staff, Betts coached at the high school level from 2014-20. Betts replaced Derrick Foster, who left to take the running backs coach job with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Blue Springs, Mo., native was a second-round pick in the 2002 NFL draft and played nine seasons in the league. That includes eight seasons with Washington — a divisional rival of his future employer.
Betts will now join fellow former Hawkeyes James Ferentz and Steven Ferentz on the Giants’ staff. James Ferentz is the assistant offensive line coach, and Steven Ferentz is a defensive assistant.
Iowa’s coaching staff has otherwise remained in tact through the NFL and college football coaching cycles. The vacancy comes about a month ahead of 2025 spring practices.
The Hawkeyes’ next running backs coach will inherit a relatively young room. Except for Jaziun Patterson, every scholarship running back currently on the roster has at least three years of eligibility remaining.
Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com
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