Knee-deep in ReliaQuest Bowl preparation, Iowa Football received the bad news that special teams coordinator LeVar Woods was leaving for a new job.
After being with the program in multiple different capacities since 2008, Woods announced that he is heading to East Lansing to join new Michigan State head coach Pat Fitzgerald's staff.
While it seems like a lateral move, Woods will not only be the new special teams coordinator for the Spartans but will also hold the "assistant head coach" title.
Woods' departure leaves a huge hole in Iowa's staff for multiple reasons, as he was a great coach, ambassador, and recruiter for the program.
There have been no announcements on potential replacements for Woods or on when a decision will be made, but there are two candidates close to home for the Hawkeyes who should be on a short list.
No. 1: Desmond King
Rumors have been swirling in Iowa City about a potential reunion with former star defensive back and return specialist Desmond King, who has been spotted at multiple Iowa practices this season.
After spending more time in Iowa City, King quietly announced his retirement from the NFL after 10 seasons, and he should be getting a call from Kirk Ferentz to join his staff.
Now retired from the NFL, King's schedule just opened up, and since he has already been on campus multiple times this season, he is familiar with the squad.
What better way for the Iowa program to respond than by replacing one former Iowa legend with another?
During his time with the Iowa Football program, King compiled 1,962 total return yards (1,458 kick, 504 punt) and would be a great hire to replace Woods.
No. 2: Tim Dwight
After a long absence away from Iowa City, former Hawkeye legend Tim Dwight returned to Iowa City to help coach at his alma mater, Iowa City High.
Following a successful 10-year NFL career, Dwight is now back in Iowa City, right in the Hawkeyes' backyard.
Despite Kaden Wetjen passing Dwight for the most career return touchdowns in Iowa program history, Dwight is still widely considered to be one of the best returners the program has had.
Dwight previously held Big Ten Conference records for total career punt-return yards (1,102) and touchdowns (five). Both records have been broken.
Dwight would command the respect of the younger players and would give him a good start to his college coaching career if he wanted to make the jump in competition.
Both of these former Hawkeye greats would make solid additions to the staff, and while everything is speculation to this point, the Iowa program could have two potential Woods replacements very close to home.