Iowa to Hire Former Packers Analyst as New Offensive Coordinator

According to numerous reports, the search for Iowa football's next offensive coordinator is over.

The Cedar Rapids Gazette is among those now reporting that Iowa is set to hire former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester as the team's new offensive coordinator. During his six-year tenure with the Broncos, Lester had a record of 37-32 and led the team to three bowl games before being let go in 2022. He spent this past season as an advisor to the Green Bay Packers.

Under Lester, the Broncos scored points. The Gazette reports that Lester's Western Michigan teams finished 40th or better in points per game in five of Lester's six seasons at Western Michigan. He also had served as quarterbacks coach at both Syracuse and Purdue and was the Syracuse offensive coordinator in 2014 and 2015.

Lester wasn't Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz's top choice for the job. That was former Badger head coach Paul Chryst, but he chose to stay on at the University of Texas. Hawk Central reports that Ferentz was seen last week talking with former Duke offensive coordinator Kevin Johns in Iowa City, sparking speculation that he we be the new OC. But in the end, it was Lester who was to Kirk's liking.

Iowa football fans seem divided on Lester if you read social media. The one thing I'll say is that his Bronco teams scored points, except for his final season which led to his firing. And Hawkeye fans don't have much room to talk. Our offense ranked DEAD LAST this past season. Nowhere to go but up folks! Welcome to Iowa City, Coach Lester!