Jason Manson named Iowa football director of player development

Former Iowa quarterback returns home on coaching staff

Leah Vann

May. 25, 2021 2:48 pm

Caption: Iowa quarterback Drew Tate (5) and backup quarterback Jason Manson, left, celebrate after Tate threw the game-winning touchdown as time expired to defeat LSU 30-25 in the Capital One Bowl in Orlando, Fla., Saturday, Jan. 1, 2005.(AP Photo/Phelan Ebenhack)

IOWA CITY — Iowa announced Tuesday that Jason Manson will be its latest addition to the football staff.

Manson will be the director of player development, helping student athletes transition to college life while also creating a memorable experience.

“I am happy to bring Jason Manson back to our program in this capacity,” Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz said in a statement. “Jason was a valued team member and leader during his Iowa career. His perspective and experience since graduation will be a great benefit to our players in his new role.”

Broderick Binns held the position before moving to his role as director of diversity, equity and inclusion. Former Hawkeye Sam Brincks filled the vacancy as interim director of player development for the past 10 months.

Since his time as a quarterback for the Hawkeyes from 2003-06, Manson returned to Connecticut, where he is from, to coach wide receivers at Becker College and Western Connecticut State before moving into a position coach role at Central Connecticut State from 2010-14.

From there, he moved to the high school level, gaining more experience in both coaching and administrative roles. He served as head football coach at Capital Preparatory Magnet School from 2014-18 and student management assistant at Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts.

Most recently, Manson has served as assistant Dean of Students and head football coach at St. Thomas More School, a college prep academy for grades 8-12 in Montville, Conn.

While at Iowa, Manson earned a bachelor’s degree in Communications Studies and was a member of the team Leadership Council for four years. He also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award in 2006 while also receiving the Student Leadership Award by UI Athletics after his three years serving on the Iowa Student Athlete Advisory Committee.

Manson completed 42 of 85 passes (49.4%) in his Iowa career for 440 yards, with five interceptions and one touchdown.