Parker to retire following Insight Bowl
Posted on 11. Dec, 2011 by admin in Iowa Football
By Brendan Stiles
HawkeyeDrive.com
Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker will retire following the Hawkeyes’ game against No. 19 Oklahoma in the 2011 Insight Bowl on Dec. 30. Parker has served as defensive coordinator during all 13 seasons of head coach Kirk Ferentz’s tenure.
Parker coached from the press box during all 12 of the Hawkeyes’ games this season after missing the majority of 2010 following amputation of his right foot as a result of complications from Diabetes.
Parker said the following in a statement released Sunday evening:
“I would like to announce that the 2011 Insight Bowl will be my last game as a football coach at Iowa. I would personally like to thank Gary Barta, Kirk Ferentz, the coaches, and players at Iowa, along with the fantastic fans. It has been a great time, one that myself and my entire family greatly appreciate.
“I would also like to thank the office staff, the equipment people, and a special thanks to the medical staff, as I used them enough. The entire Hawkeye community has been great.
“My wife Linda, and all the members of our family, were very pleased to be members of the Hawkeye family. We truly enjoyed our time here. After 48 years of doing something I love, it is time to enjoy some time with the grandkids. Go Hawks!”
The following statement was also issued Sunday by Ferentz:
“Norm’s contributions to our team the past 13 years are deeply appreciated, as he has had a tremendous impact on our program. As I have said publicly on many occasions, Norm is a superb defensive coach and has served as a strong role model and mentor for all of our players and our entire staff.”
No timetable has been set for when a replacement for Parker will officially be named.
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