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Iowa Football: Dillon Doyle transferring amid fathers turmoil

By Lance Patton

IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Dillon Doyle #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyes makes a stop during the first half against running back Ty Johnson #24 of the Maryland Terrapins on October 20, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)
IOWA CITY, IOWA- OCTOBER 20: Linebacker Dillon Doyle #43 of the Iowa Hawkeyes makes a stop during the first half against running back Ty Johnson #24 of the Maryland Terrapins on October 20, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images) /
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Dillon Doyle announced via his Twitter that he would be leaving the Iowa football program and entering the transfer portal. The stories and allegation of demeaning comments and actions, some considered to be racial, of Iowa strength coach and his father Chris Doyle is assumedly the reason.

An unbelievably tough spot for a twenty-year-old kid to be put into. But especially so when the kid is Iowa City raised and a lifelong Hawkeye fan. In Dillon’s statement, he expressed “it has always been his dream to wear the Tiger Hawk and I have taken great PRIDE in representing the state of Iowa.” That dream and pride has been taken away by his fathers’ actions.

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The consensus around Hawkeye fans has been that Dillon would likely be transferring, but it is expected doesn’t make it any better of a situation. And the loss of Dillon will certainly not help an already depleted Iowa linebacking core.

Doyle appeared in every game last season for Iowa, forcing a fumble against Michigan while adding 23 tackles. Dillon would have seen the field plenty in his redshirt sophomore season, certainly flirting with a spot in the starting lineup. Doyle started three games last season in place of injured Kristian Welch, who signed an undrafted free agent deal with the Ravens after not being selected in the 2020 NFL Draft. The starting spot was open and Doyle was the favorite to take over.

We have to think Dillon’s father will soon also be leaving the Iowa program after being placed on administrative leave for his role in the racial disparities that have plagued the Iowa program over the last week. With former and current players speaking out about it is seemingly impossible that Coach Doyle returns to the program unfortunately, Dillon is facing the consequences of his father’s actions.

Good luck to Dillon and whoever lands him is getting a good one, I wish it didn’t have to be like this. It’s unfortunate to see a dream taken away from a 21-year-old kid because of his father’s actions but that is clearly and unfortunately the case here.

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