UPDATE: McCollum To Iowa Is a DONE DEAL!

UPDATE:

Scott Dochterman of the Atheltic reports that the deal is done! Ben McCollum is on his way to the University of Iowa!

Stay tuned for more details as the story develops!

ORIGINAL STORY:

Iowa basketball fans didn't have a team to watch in this year's NCAA Tournament. Instead, they were following a coach. A coach they wanted to be the next head basketball coach at the University of Iowa. And on Sunday, it appeared they were going to be granted their wish. So why hasn't Iowa closed the deal with Drake coach Ben McCollum? First, let's start with the report that got Iowa fans all worked up and excited. Hawkeye Insider's David Eickholdt reported early Sunday that Iowa and McCollum were "finalizing a deal."  

  Like many Iowa fans, I saw this report and kept checking back on social media all day long for the official announcement from the University of Iowa. We're still waiting. And according to another report, the deal that was being finalized really wasn't. Sports Illustrated reports that Tommy Birch of the Des Moines Register says that while yes, Iowa is pursuing McCollum, the school isn't that close to hiring him yet. Birch stated, "A source close to the situation tells me that Ben McCollum and the Iowa job have not reached finalizing steps yet." Iowa fans can be heard hyperventilating across the state. What if Iowa loses out on McCollum? Who would we be left with? Deep breaths, people. Deep breaths. This deal could still come together very quickly. McCollum and his team just lost Saturday night in the NCAA Tournament. He owes it to Drake and his players to handle his impending departure the right way. McCollum to Iowa? I'd say the odds are still in Iowa's favor.

Get our free mobile app