Myron Medcalf
Multiple Authors
HOUSTON — With the potential for a number of high-profile jobs being open this offseason, Iowa coach Ben McCollum stated Friday that he will return to the Hawkeyes in 2026-27.
McCollum has earned reward all through the season, and now that he has led the Hawkeyes to the Elite Eight for the primary time in 39 years, he has been connected to rumors about openings, together with at North Carolina. But McCollum, who’s at his third faculty in three years, rejected that concept.
He stated “yes” when he was requested if he intends to be the pinnacle coach at Iowa subsequent season throughout his staff’s pregame information convention forward of Iowa’s matchup in opposition to Illinois on Saturday.
“Yeah, those are all lies,” McCollum stated concerning the rumors. “The only person that would ever know would be — well, three people — would be my athletic director, my wife, and that’s about it. I guess two people.”
McCollum has led Iowa to the cusp of its first Final Four look since 1980. With star Bennett Stirtz, who was additionally a standout with McCollum’s groups at Division II Northwest Missouri State and Drake, the Hawkeyes have turn into the Cinderella story of the NCAA match, which has solely fueled hypothesis about McCollum, who’s out of the blue considered as one of many sport’s greatest leaders.
It’s changing into a well-known place for McCollum.
Last yr, he led 11-seed Drake to a win over 6-seed Missouri within the first spherical of the NCAA match earlier than shedding to Texas Tech within the second spherical. During that run, McCollum was requested about probably accepting a high-major job.
“As far as the rumors, I’ve already taken eight jobs already, so I’m sure, you know, it is what it is,” he stated this time final yr whereas he was at Drake. “But it floats around every year and that’s what it is. It comes with success. That’s what happens with success. It’s just one of those things that’s tough, but it is what it is.”
He then left for Iowa.
It’s an attention-grabbing time within the sport.
North Carolina, one of many largest jobs in sports activities, is open after Hubert Davis was fired this week. Kansas‘ Bill Self has dismissed retirement rumors despite saying he desires to speak to his household about his future. And Houston‘s Kelvin Sampson stated, “I won’t stand in anybody’s way” when he requested why he continues to teach on this panorama following his staff’s loss to Illinois in Houston on Thursday.
McCollum, who has been in comparison with Indiana soccer coach Curt Cignetti — who additionally rose from outdoors the Power 4 ranks earlier than successful a nationwide title this yr — stated he admires Iowa soccer coach Kirk Ferentz, who has been the chief of that program for 27 years.
“I mean, why would I like the coach at Indiana? You know, like, we’re cheering for the Hawkeyes here,” he stated. “That’s why. No, Kirk’s obviously, he’s as classy as it gets. He’s done a great job with his entire program of recruiting great kids and great people and created a great culture. So, yeah, anytime you can compare yourself to that, it’s a big deal. But I’m certainly not going to compare myself to somebody from Indiana. No disrespect. He obviously accomplished a lot of good things, and certainly it’s humbling, but I’m a Kirk guy.”
