Kirk Ferentz disbands diversity group, says decision unrelated to leader's suggestion to move on from Iowa coach

4:30 PM

After a 2020 investigation found evidence of racial bias against Black players in the Iowa football program, coach Kirk Ferentz has dismantled the alumni advisory committee.

The leader of the committee, a former offensive lineman named David Porter, suggested that it was time for Iowa to cut ties with its coach. Ferentz said that he decided to change the committee last fall before Porter made his comment to other committee members.

Ferentz wrote in an email to the committee that it was an appropriate time to end the committee. As we start a new calendar year and prepare to move forward with our preparation for the 2022 season, I am thinking about how we restructure the committee/board in a way that best serves our program moving forward.

Ferentz said in a statement that Porter's suggestion was not related to his decision to dismantle the committee.

Ferentz said that Dave Porter did not share his feelings with him. I was surprised and disappointed by his comment and wish him the best. His comment did not affect the decision.

The university hired a law firm in 2020 to review the program after dozens of former players spoke out on social media about their experiences. Their activism came as protests against racial injustice swept the nation and after attempts to raise concerns inside the program resulted in only minor changes.

Some of the football program's rules perpetuated racial or cultural biases and diminished the value of cultural diversity according to a report.

Ferentz resisted making other changes to his staff after the program cut ties with Chris Doyle, the strength and conditioning coach. There are allegations that he discriminated against players.

Ferentz's contract has been extended through the 2029 season, according to the Iowa athletic department. Ferentz is the longest-tenured head coach in the nation.

Ferentz said in a statement that his program learned from the committee's work and that he believes "we can be a team and celebrate players as individuals." He said he appreciated the time and dedication of the volunteer members.

Porter was disappointed that Ferentz ended the committee without a plan to continue the work.

Porter said that the overarching theme was making sure that kids feel safe and protected. We want to make sure we can address fear and intimidation.

The lawsuit 13 former players filed accusing the university of discrimination remains pending, even though the group got away from the 2020 report.

Porter said that for a while they were making good progress. People tend to lose focus on why we were formed as they get further away from the initial situation.

The Associated Press contributed to the report.