The University of Iowa football program has parted ways with Chris Doyle after widespread accusations that the longtime strength coach used his position to bully and disparage former players, particularly those who are African-American.
The school made the announcement Monday. As part of the separation agreement Doyle, the nation’s highest-paid strength coach at $800,000 annually, will receive 15 months’ salary, which equates to two payments of $556,249.50, one on Aug. 1, the other on Jan. 1, 2021 He is prohibited from seeking employment at Iowa or holding strength and conditioning camps at the university.
Doyle, 51, had been placed on administrative leave by the university June 6.
Iowa reaches separation agreement w/strength & conditioning coach Chris Doyle & engaged Kansas City law firm to conduct an independent review of issues and allegations relating to racial disparities within the football program
— Brett McMurphy (@Brett_McMurphy) June 15, 2020
Doyle had led Iowa’s strength and conditioning program since 1999. He was placed on paid administrative leave June 6 after a large group of former players had spoken out about mistreatment in the program. Most of the allegations came from black players and centered on Doyle.
“Iowa City has been home to our family for 21 years,” Doyle said via a prepared statement. “I am grateful Iowa football provided an opportunity to work with incredible players, coaches, and support staff. I have worked diligently to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes, support them as they speak out, and look forward to continued growth. I am confident that my record and character will be confirmed in the course of the independent review. The university and I have reached an agreement and it is time to move on from Iowa football. My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter.”
Raimond Braithwaite, in his 16th season with Iowa’s strength and conditioning program, has taken over on an interim basis.