In-helmet communication, sideline tablets ‘all positive’ for Iowa football

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said in-helmet communication and sideline tablets have been “all positive” in his estimation.

For the first time in college football history, teams are able to use in-helmet communication and sideline tablets to view in-game video.

The in-helmet radio allows coaches to communicate directly with one player on the field designated with the green dot on the middle of their helmet. Coach-to-player communications are shut off with 15 seconds left on the play clock or at the snap of the ball, whichever comes first.

Teams also have the ability to view in-game video from the broadcast feed and camera angles from the coach’s sideline and coach’s end zone. Teams can have up to 18 active tablets for use in the coaching booth, sideline and locker room.

On Tuesday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was asked how integrating the new technology has gone for the Hawkeyes.

“Sounds like there were a problem or two with the tablets, like a play or two off schedule were missing. But overall, it’s a real positive. And the coach-to-player thing is a real positive, too.

“It’s kind of what we expected based on practice, but, yeah, I think it’s all positive. And I don’t have many suggestions in that way. We’re just trying to figure out how to score a touchdown when we got the ball inside the 5. That’s more important right now,” Ferentz said.

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