As Iowa gears up for spring practices, Kirk Ferentz and his staff are putting the final touches on the 2026 coaching roster - and there are some notable new faces joining the fold in Iowa City. On Friday, the Hawkeyes officially announced the addition of four new staff members: Jay Norvell, Kevin Spencer, Kyle Hazell, and Mac McLeran. Each brings a unique background and skill set to the program, and their arrival signals a continued emphasis on experience, development, and familiarity with the Iowa way.
Let’s break down what each coach brings to the table - and why these hires matter.
Jay Norvell: A Hawkeye Comes Home
Jay Norvell is returning to where it all began. The former Hawkeye defensive back, who starred at Iowa from 1982 to 1985, is stepping into a new role as a senior offensive analyst.
Yes, you read that right - a defensive standout now lending his expertise on the offensive side of the ball. It speaks to the depth and versatility of Norvell’s coaching journey, which spans decades and includes stops across the college football landscape.
Norvell’s senior season at Iowa was one to remember - seven interceptions and a key role in a Big Ten title run. That kind of performance doesn’t just fade from memory, and Ferentz clearly hasn’t forgotten what Norvell brought to the field back then - or what he can offer now.
“Jay was an outstanding player at the University of Iowa when I was here in the 1980s,” Ferentz said. “He has a long and varied coaching career that will be a real benefit to our offensive coaching staff and players.”
Bringing Norvell back into the building adds a layer of institutional knowledge and passion that can’t be taught. He’s walked the halls, worn the black and gold, and played under the pressure of Big Ten football. Now, he’ll help shape an Iowa offense that’s looking to evolve.
Kevin Spencer: A Special Teams Veteran Returns
Kevin Spencer is no stranger to Iowa City. In fact, this will be his third stint with the Hawkeyes, and it’s safe to say he knows his way around the special teams room. Spencer returns as the special teams quality control coach, working under new coordinator Chris Polizzi.
Spencer’s résumé is as deep as they come - nearly 30 years in the NFL, plus extensive experience in the college ranks. He’s been in this role before at Iowa, helping with film breakdown and game planning, and he brings a wealth of football knowledge that’s hard to match.
“Kevin spent nearly three decades coaching in the National Football League and many years in college football,” Ferentz said. “He knows first-hand the importance of special teams to our program and will be an asset to that unit going forward.”
Special teams have long been a staple of Iowa’s identity - disciplined, physical, and often game-changing. Adding a seasoned mind like Spencer’s only reinforces that commitment.
Kyle Hazell: A Young Offensive Mind on the Rise
Kyle Hazell is a name that might not be as familiar to Hawkeye fans just yet, but his coaching roots run deep. The son of longtime coach Darrell Hazell, Kyle steps into the role of offensive analyst after gaining experience at Toledo, Youngstown State, and Dayton.
Hazell was a two-year starter at wide receiver during his playing days at Dayton, and that background shows in his work with skill position players. He’s been a graduate assistant and a position coach, and now he takes the next step in his career with a Big Ten program.
Ferentz praised Hazell’s developmental impact, saying, “Kyle… [has] experience in player development and [has] helped [his] programs improve at every level. We look forward to Kyle joining our offensive staff.”
Hazell brings fresh eyes and a younger perspective to the offensive side of the ball - a valuable asset in today’s evolving college game.
Mac McLeran: Coming Home to Help Anchor the Defense
For Mac McLeran, this move is more than just a new job - it’s a homecoming. The North Liberty native is joining the Hawkeyes as a defensive analyst after spending the last four seasons coaching linebackers at Southern Illinois.
McLeran’s path to Iowa included playing college football at South Dakota and building a reputation as a coach who knows how to develop talent and elevate defensive units. His familiarity with the state and its football culture adds another layer of connection to the program.
“Kyle and Mac both have experience in player development and have helped their programs improve at every level,” Ferentz said. “We look forward to… Mac becoming involved with our defensive staff.”
With McLeran on board, Iowa adds another coach who understands the grind, the culture, and the expectations that come with wearing the Tigerhawk.
The Takeaway
This round of coaching additions may not come with flashy titles or headline-grabbing moves, but make no mistake - these are strategic hires. Norvell brings deep-rooted ties and decades of experience.
Spencer adds elite-level special teams knowledge. Hazell and McLeran inject youthful energy and developmental chops.
For Kirk Ferentz, it’s about building a staff that blends tradition with innovation - and these four coaches check those boxes. As spring ball approaches, the pieces are falling into place. The 2026 Hawkeyes are starting to take shape, and this coaching staff will play a major role in what comes next.