Iowa has made a significant change in its men’s basketball program by hiring Ben McCollum as the new head coach. The announcement came amid expectations that McCollum will bring his successful coaching experience to the Hawkeyes after spending just one season leading the Drake Bulldogs.
McCollum’s appointment follows the departure of Fran McCaffery, who had been with Iowa for 15 seasons. During his tenure, McCaffery guided the team to seven NCAA tournament appearances but faced criticism for not advancing beyond the first weekend of the tournament and not winning 20 games in his last three seasons.
In his brief time at Drake, McCollum achieved remarkable success, leading the Bulldogs to an impressive 31-4 record in the 2024-2025 season. Under his leadership, Drake not only won the Missouri Valley Conference but also made headlines by upsetting Missouri in the NCAA tournament before losing to Texas Tech in the second round.
Prior to his stint at Drake, McCollum spent 15 seasons at Northwest Missouri State. There, he established himself as a dominant figure in Division II basketball, winning four national championships in 2017, 2019, 2021, and 2022. His teams became known for their consistency, not having a losing record in his last 13 years, which included making the NCAA tournament every year from 2014 to 2024.
A significant strategy employed by McCollum at Drake was relying on former players from Northwest Missouri State. After a roster turnover due to his predecessor’s departure, he successfully integrated these players, including Bennett Stirtz, the Missouri Valley Conference Player of the Year. Stirtz had a standout season, averaging over 19 points and nearly six assists per game, proving that McCollum could build a competitive team primarily from his past recruits.
Defensively, McCollum’s Bulldogs were recognized as one of the toughest teams in the nation, ranking among the leaders in points allowed per game. Drake’s defensive strategy was complemented by a slower tempo, placing them last in adjusted tempo rankings on KenPom.com. They allowed an average of only 58.4 points per game, a feat matched only by Houston, who was a number one seed at the NCAA tournament.
As McCollum steps into his role at Iowa, he will inherit a program with a strong though recent tumultuous history. The Hawkeyes have a legacy of competitive basketball, but with the challenges faced under McCaffery’s leadership, there will be considerable expectations on McCollum to rejuvenate the team.
McCollum’s approach to coaching emphasizes discipline and a strong foundation in defense, which could be beneficial for a program in need of revitalization. As he embarks on this new chapter at Iowa, fans and players alike will be eager to see how he implements his successful strategies at the Division I level.
Iowa is hoping that McCollum, with his proven track record and understanding of player development, can transform the Hawkeyes into a formidable contender in the Big Ten conference. His ability to connect with players and develop winning teams will be crucial as he endeavors to bring Iowa back to the NCAA tournament’s upper echelon.
The journey ahead will certainly be challenging, but McCollum has already shown that he is more than capable of rising to meet high expectations. With the right support and resources, there is optimism that Iowa basketball will see a resurgence under his leadership.
