The first domino in the complete rebuild and overhaul of the Iowa Hawkeyes offense has taken place. As reported by ESPN’s Pete Thamel, wide receiver coach Kelton Copeland will not be returning to the Hawkeyes’ coaching staff in 2024.
Sources: The Iowa staff has been informed that wide receiver coach Kelton Copeland will not return in 2024 as part of the offensive overhaul. He’s worked previously at Northern Illinois, South Dakota and Coffeyville CC.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) January 12, 2024
This move comes after multiple years of offensive struggles across the board for the Hawkeyes. The receivers’ production has dipped over the last few seasons and with change coming in the form of a new offensive coordinator, Copeland is parting ways from the Hawkeyes.
During the 2023-24 season, Iowa wide receivers produced a combined stat line of just 76 receptions for 754 yards and only three touchdowns.
Copeland joined the Hawkeyes in 2017 after spending time with Northern Illinois and South Dakota coaching running backs and wide receivers. His departure signifies the first step in the Hawkeyes’ upcoming changes in offensive scheme and philosophy moving forward.
The new offensive coordinator for the Hawkeyes is still to be determined but this move could signify that a potential candidate has a plan to bring in a few positional coaches along with himself.
With Brian Ferentz and Kelton Copeland no longer on the staff, the offensive coaches remaining are George Barnett (offensive line), Ladell Betts (running backs), and Abdul Hodge (tight ends/fullbacks).
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X, and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.
Follow Riley on X: @rileydonald7
We occasionally recommend interesting products and services. If you make a purchase by clicking one of the links, we may earn an affiliate fee. Hawkeyes Wire operates independently, though, and this doesn’t influence our coverage.