For the first time in over a decade, Iowa needs a new head coach.
The Hawk Keys finished with a 17-16 record in their 15th season program, and to close it all out, Franmac Caffery after finishing the NCAA Tournament berth for the second year in a row, finishing it all off by firing in season-ending losses to Illinois to Illinois in the Big Ten Tournament.
And for McCaffery, a polarizing coach known for his in-game attitude, it was probably a proper final chapter.
It seemed McCaffery began to sway with one of the officials as Iowa moved the ball-up court in just over six minutes into the second half, dragging Illinois nine times.
However, as other members of the Hawkeyes coaching staff tried to escort McCaffery towards the bench, he reached his arm around one of his assistants.
That prompted a second technical foul, leading to the fifth ejection of McCaffery's career, making him unable to finish the Hawkeyes season on the bench.
“But you know, I'm always going to defend for my peers,” McCaffery told reporters. “That's what I do and I had some very emotional moments in the locker room.”
Shortly after a 106-94 defeat to Illinois in the second round of the conference tournament on Thursday, McCaffery said he expects to return for next season.
But by Friday afternoon, the university had decided that it wasn't.
“Fran McCaffery has been an integral part of the Hawkeye family for the past 15 years,” said Beth Getz, Iowa athletic director. “He is an incredible coach and teacher and we are grateful for the positive impact he has had on the institution and the community. We have a deep appreciation for his dedication to student-athletes and his passion for the game that will last a lasting impact on our program.”
McCaffery took over at Iowa ahead of the 2010-11 season, leading the Hawkeyes to seven NCAA tournament appearances and one Big 10 tournament championship in 2023.
Before arriving in Iowa, he spent five seasons with Siena, six seasons with UNC Greensboro, three seasons with Lehigh as head coach, and also had stints as an assistant to Penn, Lehigh and Notre Dame.
His son, Connor, spent six years in the program and is now an assistant to Butler's men's basketball staff, and Connor dated Star Kate Linklark for nearly two years.
