Norm returns to Kinnick

IOWA CITY -- Norm Parker didn't just sit there during his return to the Kinnick Stadium pressbox.

Iowa's 69-year-old defensive coordinator made his way into Kinnick for the first time since the opener against Eastern Illinois. Parker was checked into the hospital Sept 10, just prior to the Iowa State game. Later that month, he had his right foot amputated because of complications due to diabetes.

He made it back for the Michigan State game, where Parker served as an assistant coach for 12 seasons. And he didn't just sit there.

"He chirped in there a couple times," Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said. "He hasn't been in on the day-to-day, so it's a little tougher, obviously. It's sort of like the story about the guy who knows where to tinker. But he was being very respectful and wasn't trying to backseat drive, but it was just good to have him on the phones and hear his voice.

"He threw a couple tidbits in here and there. We're hoping in under a week he'll be back in Iowa City and will be able to start climbing the ladder a little."

Ferentz even joked about a victory cigar.

"Rumor has it he was going up I-380 and smoking a cigar on the way back," Ferentz said. "That's strictly a rumor. I don't think his doctors would appreciate him smoking cigars right now."

The defense didn't get to speak with Parker at Kinnick, but it knew he was in the house.

"I know he had some things to say up there," defensive lineman Christian Ballard said. "We knew he was up there. We certainly miss him."