Iowa Men's Basketball had a rough end to the 2025 season. The Hawkeyes finished 17-16 (7-13 Big Ten) and did not make the NCAA Tournament for the second straight season.
After a second straight poor finish to end the season, long-time head coach Fran McCaffery was fired. McCaffery was the head coach for 15 years.
McCaffery's firing triggered a mass exodus from Iowa City. The Hawkeyes lost seven players to the transfer portal, including star forward Owen Freeman. The mood changed in Iowa City on March 24 with the hiring of Ben McCollum.
McCollum was born in Iowa City, Iowa, and is a native of Storm Lake, Iowa. He has not been shy about his love for Iowa and was happy to return to Iowa City to coach his hometown squad.
Always a Hawkeye.
— Iowa Men’s Basketball (@IowaHoops) March 24, 2025
🤝 @CoachMcCollum pic.twitter.com/y0hWCCqDPJ
Once a Hawkeye, always a Hawkeye. This fantastic photo of a young Ben McCollum was posted on X by Iowa Men's Basketball shortly after McCollum was hired.
The young McCollum is pictured with legendary Iowa Head Coach Dr. Tom Davis. Dr. Tom Davis compiled a 269-140 record in 14 seasons as head coach.
The Hawkeyes made the NCAA Tournament in seven of the 14 years Davis was head coach. This included an Elite 8 appearance in Davis' first season as head coach (1986).
Despite a Sweet 16 appearance by the Hawkeyes in 1999, Davis' contract was not renewed. Steve Alford replaced Davis after the 1999 season. Davis returned to head coaching with Drake University in 2003. He coached Drake until he retired in 2007.
Ben McCollum hopes to follow in the footsteps of legendary Iowa Coach Dr. Tom Davis. McCollum has not been shy about his love for Iowa. In a statement after he was hired, McCollum said returning to Iowa City is a dream come true.
The Iowa Men's Basketball program and Hawkeyes fans are excited to have McCollum on the sidelines for years to come.