Iowa Football program reaches separation agreement with Chris Doyle

The Iowa Football program announced this morning that it has reached a separation agreement with now former Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Doyle, effective June 15 (aka, immediately). Raimond Braithwaite will continue his interim role of director of strength and conditioning for the football program.

The University of Iowa Office of General Counsel has also brought on Husch Blackwell law firm from Kansas City to conduct an outside review of the ‘issues and allegations relating to racial disparities within the football program.’

The university will not comment on the situation during the independent review process, and as such, Gary Barta’s statement on the matter is pretty bare-bones (although he will address the media this afternoon at 1 p.m.):

“The University of Iowa has reached a separation agreement with Executive Director of Football and Head Strength and Conditioning Coach Chris Doyle. We wish Chris the best moving forward in his career.”

Doyle’s statement, meanwhile, has a little more substance, along with some fluff, which I will skip:

“I have worked diligently to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes, support them as they speak out, and look forward to continued growth. I am confident that my record and character will be confirmed in the course of the independent review. The University and I have reached an agreement and it is time to move on from Iowa football. My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter.”

Some more info of note from the agreement:

This announcement comes on the heels of Kirk Ferentz and Iowa players Kaevon Merriweather, Ivory Kelly-Martin and Keith Duncan speaking to the media for the first time since the allegations arose, where Ferentz said his social media ban was a “stupid policy” and all the players referenced a better culture after the team’s emotional meetings, particularly in the weightroom.