Former Iowa linebacker Joe Evans, who played his final season with the Hawkeyes back in 2023, is officially heading into his coaching career. After spending a season in the Baltimore Ravens organization, Evans has decided to make a career change to coaching, starting at Drake.
New head coach Joe Woodley of the Drake Bulldogs finalized his coaching staff and assistants, and Evans made the cut. Evans was named the defensive line coach for the Bulldogs just one year out of college.
I’m excited to be apart of this great coaching staff and program. Go Bulldogs! https://t.co/xJ5pLDWzAg
— Joe Evans (@joe_evans7) January 22, 2025
In a press release about finalizing his coaching staff, Woodley had very kind words to say about his newest defensive line coach.
"Joe has always believed in himself and his abilities," Woodley said in the press release. "He went from a walk-on at Iowa to being All-Big 10 and team captain by the time he was a senior and most recently a member of the Baltimore Ravens in the NFL."
Evans was a walk-on at Iowa and used his power and determination to become an excellent part of Phil Parker's dominant defense. Evans was a part of the 2023 Hawkeyes defense that led Iowa to the Big Ten Championship which ended up losing to a powerful Michigan team.
The Ames, Iowa native became a starter by his true senior season, starting in 13 games, recording 31 total tackles, 15 solo tackles, 8.5 tackles for a loss, 6.5 sacks, and two forced fumbles. However, his best season was his final one in an Iowa uniform in which he recorded 46 tackles, 28 solo tackles, 13.5 tackles for a loss, 9.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and four passed deflected.
After his final season in Iowa City, Evans signed as an undrafted free agent with the Baltimore Ravens but never recorded any stats with the team.
Now as an Iowa native, Evans is proud to begin his coaching career, one that runs in the family, in his home state.
"As a proud Iowan I feel humbled and blessed to start my coaching career at Drake University," Evans said in the press release. "I can't wait to join the incredible staff Joe Woodley is putting together. My goal is to help build and grow this great program. Go Bulldogs!"
Depending on how his career as a coach goes, maybe a return to Iowa is in the cards for Joe, this time on the sideline in a headset, creating the next generation of strong defensive players.