Former Iowa State star Grayer leaving Cyclones, returning to Michigan

Former Iowa State All-American Jeff Grayer has decided to return to Michigan to be closer to his family.

Grayer was originally hired to be an assistant men's basketball coach by former head coach Greg McDermott last spring. When Fred Hoiberg was hired as head coach in April, he offered Grayer the opportunity to serve in an administrative capacity on his staff rather than as one of his three full-time assistants.

“Jeff wants to be able to recruit and be on the floor coaching the players,” Hoiberg said.  “Unfortunately, NCAA rules only allow us to have three assistant coaches.”

Hoiberg has assembled a staff that includes 22-year head coach Bobby Lutz and fifth-year Cyclone assistant T.J. Otzelberger. Hoiberg plans to add one more assistant coach in the near future with college or junior college coaching experience.

“After working in an administrative role for the past several months, I realized how much I really want to coach and recruit,” Grayer said. “Given the change in responsibilities, I believe it is in my family's best interest for me to return to our home in Michigan and be closer to them.”

Hoiberg added that the former NBA veteran will continue to be an asset to the athletics department and him personally in an advisory capacity.

“Jeff is an icon for this institution and he will continue to be an outstanding ambassador for Iowa State University and the basketball program,” Hoiberg said. “I certainly understand and respect Jeff's desire to be a coach, and I also support his desire to get closer to his family.”