As Iowa gears up for the ReliaQuest Bowl, the program is facing an unexpected shake-up off the field. Longtime special teams coordinator LeVar Woods is heading north to East Lansing, joining Michigan State’s new head coach Pat Fitzgerald as not just the special teams coordinator but also as assistant head coach. It’s a significant move for Woods, who’s been a fixture in Iowa City since 2008 in various coaching roles and has been instrumental in shaping one of the most consistent special teams units in the Big Ten.
This isn’t just a coaching change-it’s a major loss for the Hawkeyes. Woods wasn’t just a sharp football mind; he was a key recruiter, a trusted leader, and a true ambassador for the Iowa program.
His departure leaves a sizable gap, both on the field and in the locker room. And with no official word yet on who will replace him, the speculation has already begun-especially around two names that carry serious weight in Iowa football circles.
Desmond King: A Familiar Face with Fresh Perspective
Desmond King’s name has been buzzing around Iowa City lately-and not just because of his NFL resume. The former All-American defensive back and return specialist has been spotted at several Iowa practices this season, and he recently made his retirement from the NFL official after a solid 10-year career.
King’s connection to the program runs deep. He wasn’t just a standout defender; he was electric on special teams, racking up nearly 2,000 return yards during his time in black and gold. If Iowa is looking for someone who understands the culture, the expectations, and the nuances of special teams play in the Big Ten, King checks every box.
He’s already been around the current roster, and his presence alone would command instant respect from the players. With his NFL career now in the rearview mirror, the timing couldn’t be better for a return to the program-this time with a headset instead of a helmet.
Tim Dwight: A Legend Back in Town
If King represents the recent past, Tim Dwight is a throwback to Iowa’s golden era of return specialists. The former Hawkeye star and NFL veteran has quietly returned to Iowa City in recent years, lending his expertise at Iowa City High, his alma mater. Now, with Dwight back in the area and still deeply connected to the game, the idea of him stepping into a college coaching role doesn’t seem far-fetched.
Dwight’s resume speaks for itself. Before his records were eventually broken, he held Big Ten marks for punt return yardage and touchdowns. He was a game-changer every time he touched the ball and remains one of the most explosive returners in Iowa history.
His return to the program in a coaching capacity would bring instant credibility and energy to the special teams unit. More importantly, it would offer young players a chance to learn from someone who lived the grind at both the collegiate and professional levels.
What’s Next for Iowa?
There’s no timeline yet for a decision, and the program hasn’t tipped its hand on where it’s leaning. But with two former Hawkeye greats already in the orbit of the program, Iowa has some intriguing in-house options to consider. Whether it’s King, Dwight, or another candidate entirely, the next hire will have big shoes to fill.
LeVar Woods helped build a special teams identity that became a calling card for Iowa Football-disciplined, opportunistic, and fundamentally sound. Whoever steps into that role next will be tasked with not just maintaining that standard, but pushing it forward.
And if that next chapter includes a familiar face from Iowa’s storied past? That might be the perfect way to honor what Woods built-while setting the stage for what’s next.