Former Hawkeyes respond to Iowa football diversity advisory committee being dissolved

The Gazette reported Sunday that University of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz last week abruptly dissolved the alumni advisory committee that formed in the wake of players alleging the football program fostered a culture of racism and bullying.

“I have come to a decision that this is an appropriate time to dissolve our committee as it stands currently,” Ferentz wrote in a Tuesday email to the 10-member group of football alumni who have worked since summer 2020 to improve the program’s culture. “As we start a new calendar year and prepare to move forward with our preparation for the 2022 season, I am giving thought to how we restructure the committee/board in a way that best serves our program moving forward.”

Ferentz’s decision to dissolve the group came after a contentious meeting Oct. 18 and after committee chair David Porter, former Hawkeye offensive lineman, suggested to the group in a chain of text messages Jan. 2 that it’s time to “bring in a new head football coach, football staff, and athletic director.”

On Friday, three days after the committee was disbanded, UI Athletics announced Ferentz signed a contract extension through the 2029 season. He'll earn $7 million annually before performance-based bonuses — $6 million of which is guaranteed.

Following The Gazette’s report and coverage from other media, some alumni, including a member of the committee, shared their thoughts on social media.

LeBron Daniel (DL, 2007-11):

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Chuck Long (QB, 1981-85):

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Jordan Lomax (DB, 2011-15; member of the advisory committee), in response to a column published on HawkFanatic.com following The Gazette report:

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Darian Cooper (DL, 2011-15) in response to Lomax’s tweets:

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Marcel Joly (DB/RB, 2014-17) responded to the thread, too:

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Tyler Kluver (LS, 2013-17):

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