Iowa Hawkeyes men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery has reaffirmed his commitment to the program, stating he has “no intention of moving on,” despite the team’s current struggles. The Hawkeyes hold a 15-14 record and are on the brink of missing the Big Ten Tournament, having lost 10 of their last 13 games.
In contrast, McCaffery’s son, Connor McCaffery, has embarked on a coaching career, recently joining Butler University as an assistant coach. Connor, who previously played under his father at Iowa, transitioned into coaching after a stint with the Indiana Pacers.
Michigan State’s veteran coach, Tom Izzo, supports Fran McCaffery’s decision to remain with Iowa. Izzo expressed that he would be disappointed if McCaffery stepped down, stating, “Fran ain’t going out with a season that isn’t superb, in my humble opinion. Nor do I think he should.” Izzo, in his 30th season with the Spartans, recently became the Big Ten’s all-time leader in coaching wins, surpassing Bob Knight with his 354th conference victory.
Connor McCaffery’s coaching journey has been notable, with his girlfriend, WNBA star Caitlin Clark, supporting his career moves. Clark, a standout at the University of Iowa, has redefined women’s basketball with her remarkable shooting skills and recently signed a landmark $28 million deal with Nike. Her relationship with Connor highlights the interconnected nature of basketball careers within the Iowa community.
Fran McCaffery’s decision to stay reflects his dedication to the Hawkeyes, aiming to navigate the team through its current challenges and build towards future success. With the support of peers like Izzo, McCaffery remains focused on leading Iowa’s men’s basketball program.
