The Iowa Hawkeyes are dipping into their past to strengthen their future, bringing back a familiar face with deep Black and Gold ties. Jay Norvell, a standout safety from Iowa’s iconic 1985 squad, is returning to the program - this time on the offensive side of the ball.
Norvell is set to join the Hawkeyes as an offensive analyst for the 2026 season. While his name is already etched in Iowa lore thanks to a seven-interception campaign during that memorable ’85 run to the Rose Bowl, Norvell’s résumé goes far beyond his playing days in Iowa City.
Over the last nine seasons, Norvell has served as a Division I head coach, compiling a 33-26 record at Nevada before taking the reins at Colorado State. His tenure with the Rams ended this past October after a 2-5 start to the season, but his broader coaching experience - which spans decades and includes offensive coordinator roles at Power Five programs - brings a wealth of knowledge to Iowa’s offensive brain trust.
Norvell steps into a role vacated by Warren Ruggerio, who left after one season in Iowa City to join James Franklin’s new staff at Virginia Tech. While Ruggerio had been assisting with offensive planning, Norvell’s primary focus will be working with Iowa’s tight ends - a position group that has long been a strength for the Hawkeyes.
That shift allows Billy VandeMerkt, who had been handling tight ends, to move into a larger offensive support role. VandeMerkt is no stranger to high-level football; he logged four years with the New York Jets and previously worked under Tim Lester at Western Michigan from 2017 to 2019. If Iowa can hold onto VandeMerkt for another season - no small feat given the always-spinning coaching carousel, especially with NFL staff shuffles still unfolding - it would be a strong continuity play for an offense looking to evolve.
Bringing Norvell back into the fold is more than just a sentimental move. His football IQ, offensive background, and ties to Iowa’s golden era make him a valuable addition at a time when the Hawkeyes are retooling their offensive identity under Lester. And for longtime fans, there’s something fitting about seeing a member of the ’85 squad - a team that reached No. 1 in the national rankings and claimed the Big Ten title - return to help shape the next chapter of Iowa football.
With Norvell joining the staff and VandeMerkt stepping into a new role, Iowa is quietly building a deeper, more experienced offensive staff - one that blends institutional knowledge with fresh perspectives. The pieces are starting to come together in Iowa City. Now it's about turning that potential into production.