Iowa’s Phil Parker named top FBS assistant coach in 2023 by AFCA

IOWA CITY — Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker is the 2023 recipient of the American Football Coaches Association’s Assistant FBS Coach of the Year Award, the AFCA announced Friday.

He is the third Iowa coach to earn the distinction, joining Ron Aiken (2002) and Norm Parker (2013).

Parker earlier this month won the Broyles Award, which also recognizes the best assistant coach in college football. He became the first Iowa coach to win the Broyles Award.

The Parker-led Iowa defense has allowed 13.2 points per game, which ranks fourth among FBS teams this season. Iowa’s 274.8 yards allowed per game is fifth-best nationally. It also produced two first-team All-Americans -- defensive back Cooper DeJean and linebacker Jay Higgins.

Comments: john.steppe@thegazette.com