It cannot be overstated how much Ben McCollum did for the men's basketball program in such a short time.
After turning down multiple opportunities to coach Division I programs, McCollum finally accepted a job with Drake and then his dream job with the Hawkeyes.
Iowa notched its first Sweet 16 since 1999, its first Elite 8 since 1987, and won more than 20 games for the first time since the 2021-2022 season. Not bad for your first year.
Everyone from outside and within are extremely pleased what Iowa was able to do this year, and Athletic Director Beth Goetz is ready to work with McCollum to keep that success going.
Beth Goetz 'couldn't be more thrilled' with what Iowa MBB accomplished
Goetz has needed to make a few very difficult decisions in her short tenure with the University of Iowa, including firing long-time men's basketball coach Fran McCaffery, but there is no doubt she made the right hire.
Even though the program had to hit the reset button, McCollum has been better than advertised, and Goetz is ready to build for the future.
Iowa AD Beth Goetz tells me the following after the Hawkeyes' run to the Elite Eight under Ben McCollum:
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) March 30, 2026
"I couldn’t be more thrilled with what our program has accomplished and the leadership of Coach McCollum.
We are excited about Ben’s future here at Iowa and will work in…
According to CBS Sports' Jon Rothstein, Goetz said she "couldn't be more thrilled" with what the men's basketball program accomplished under McCollum's leadership.
She also noted that she is excited about the future and wants to work with him to continue their success.
McCollum has set the bar extremely high for the future, but with the full support of the fans and the athletic department, the sky is the limit for the program.