Reporters asked & Ben McCollum answered. Despite the rumors, he's not going anywhere

Franisdaman · Mar 28, 2026

Ben McCollum says he will remain at Iowa despite other openings

Myron Medcalf
ESPN.com
March 27, 2026, 07:16 PM ET

HOUSTON -- With the possibility of multiple high-profile jobs being open this offseason, Iowa coach Ben McCollum said Friday that he will return to the Hawkeyes in 2026-27.

McCollum has earned praise throughout the season, and now that he has led the Hawkeyes to the Elite Eight for the first time in 39 years, he has been attached to rumors about openings, including at North Carolina. But McCollum, who is at his third school in three years, rejected that idea.

He said "yes" when he was asked if he intends to be the head coach at Iowa next season during his team's pregame news conference ahead of Iowa's matchup against Illinois on Saturday.

"Yeah, those are all lies," McCollum said about the rumors. "The only person that would ever know would be -- well, three people -- would be my athletic director, my wife, and that's about it. I guess two people."

McCollum has led Iowa to the cusp of its first Final Four appearance since 1980. With star Bennett Stirtz, who was also a standout with McCollum's teams at Division II Northwest Missouri State and Drake, the Hawkeyes have become the Cinderella story of the NCAA tournament, which has only fueled speculation about McCollum, who is suddenly viewed as one of the game's best leaders.

It's becoming a familiar position for McCollum.

Last year, he led 11-seed Drake to a win over 6-seed Missouri in the first round of the NCAA tournament before losing to Texas Tech in the second round. During that run, McCollum was asked about potentially accepting a high-major job.

"As far as the rumors, I've already taken eight jobs already, so I'm sure, you know, it is what it is," he said this time last year while he was at Drake. "But it floats around every year and that's what it is. It comes with success. That's what happens with success. It's just one of those things that's tough, but it is what it is."

He then left for Iowa.

It's an interesting time in the sport.

North Carolina, one of the biggest jobs in sports, is open after Hubert Davis was fired this week. Kansas' Bill Self has dismissed retirement rumors despite saying he wants to talk to his family about his future. And Houston's Kelvin Sampson said, "I won't stand in anybody's way" when he asked why he continues to coach in this landscape following his team's loss to Illinois in Houston on Thursday.

McCollum, who has been compared to Indiana football coach Curt Cignetti -- who also rose from outside the Power 4 ranks before winning a national title this year -- said he admires Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz, who has been the leader of that program for 27 years.

"I mean, why would I like the coach at Indiana? You know, like, we're cheering for the Hawkeyes here," he said. "That's why. No, Kirk's obviously, he's as classy as it gets. He's done a great job with his entire program of recruiting great kids and great people and created a great culture. So, yeah, anytime you can compare yourself to that, it's a big deal. But I'm certainly not going to compare myself to somebody from Indiana. No disrespect. He obviously accomplished a lot of good things, and certainly it's humbling, but I'm a Kirk guy."

Ben McCollum says he will remain at Iowa despite other openings

With the possibility of multiple high-profile jobs being open this offseason, Iowa head coach Ben McCollum said Friday that he will return to the Hawkeyes in 2026-27.

www.espn.com

HawkInDenver · Mar 28, 2026

Read somewhere that he was asked directly if he would be the coach at Iowa next year and he gave a direct answer -yes.

I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I think he also is getting paid enough (for now). That said, I would not be surprised if he got a contract extension + pay bump when the tourney is over...

Franisdaman · Mar 28, 2026

HawkInDenver said:
Read somewhere that he was asked directly if he would be the coach at Iowa next year and he gave a direct answer -yes.

I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I think he also is getting paid enough (for now). That said, I would not be surprised if he got a contract extension + pay bump when the tourney is over...

it's also been posted that they are building a home somewhere in the Iowa City area

2D · Mar 28, 2026

Going to one of these blue-bloods would be instant pressure with sky-high expectations, and if they aren't met, termination within 3 years. With what Ben has done at Iowa this year, he has total control with how the program will be run and no one will question him. At places like UNC or Kansas, he would be on a very short leash. It's literally the same situation with Cignetti. Both Ben and Cig are better off being kings at the programs they're at now, rather than slaves to blue-blood athletic departments.

Hawkangler · Mar 28, 2026

HawkInDenver said:
Read somewhere that he was asked directly if he would be the coach at Iowa next year and he gave a direct answer -yes.

I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I think he also is getting paid enough (for now). That said, I would not be surprised if he got a contract extension + pay bump when the tourney is over...

Beth's no dummy, I'm sure Ben will get a nice raise and extension. His new house might get a little nicer.

93hawkeye · Mar 28, 2026

2D said:
Going to one of these blue-bloods would be instant pressure with sky-high expectations, and if they aren't met, termination within 3 years. With what Ben has done at Iowa this year, he has total control with how the program will be run and no one will question him. At places like UNC or Kansas, he would be on a very short leash. It's literally the same situation with Cignetti. Both Ben and Cig are better off being kings at the programs they're at now, rather than slaves to blue-blood athletic departments.

except, that's not how a lot of these coaches look at things. The bigger the stage and the brighter the lights, the more fulfilling it is (for some). They are not afraid of failure like some people.

MacMiney · Mar 28, 2026

He also very convincingly denied the Iowa rumor, during an interview I saw last year, while Drake was prepping for the NCAA tournament. But this time around I have no worries. Confidence in Beth to handle what needs to be handled with one of the best coaches in the country.

Hawk_4shur · Mar 28, 2026

93hawkeye said:
except, that's not how a lot of these coaches look at things. The bigger the stage and the brighter the lights, the more fulfilling it is (for some). They are not afraid of failure like some people.

Correct. Ambition is part of the package for most successful coaches. They tell their players every day to work to achieve greatness. Its hard for them to ignore opportunities.

ComradeKirk · Mar 28, 2026

Hawk_4shur said:
Correct. Ambition is part of the package for most successful coaches. They tell their players every day to work to achieve greatness. Its hard for them to ignore opportunities.

Yeah. Elite coaches and athletes are absolute sickos and they will back themselves to be the guy that does it at the big program. But I’m not too worried about Ben leaving as long as we can continue to match his ambition. Because right now he wants to be the guy that does it at Iowa.

ajdl · Mar 28, 2026

Hawkangler said:
Beth's no dummy, I'm sure Ben will get a nice raise and extension. His new house might get a little nicer.

Herky T Hawk · Mar 28, 2026

Even if he loses tonight he bought himself a minimum half decade of job safety with this tournament run. He’d have to absolutely pull a Lickliter over the next four years to get fired. More likely than not he probably has garnered more than a decade of job safety if he can still at least makes the tournament most years. He’s also earned a nice raise. Add it all up and the money situation shouldn’t be a deciding factor in whether he’d go to another school. As it is in his one season he’s already put his name up just behind Bucky, Ralph, Lute, and Dr. Tom on our list of greatest coaches.

So it boils down to two things. 1. Can he get the recruits that he wants while he’s our coach? 2. Does he want to be a legend at a school like Iowa or another name in the long list of coaches at a blue blood school where the lights burn as bright as the expectations are high?

If he goes to UNC and has 5 straight elite eight runs without making the Final Four, they may very well can him because he can’t get over the hump. Do that at Iowa and we’re writing a lifetime contract.

DukeSlater · Mar 28, 2026

93hawkeye said:
except, that's not how a lot of these coaches look at things. The bigger the stage and the brighter the lights, the more fulfilling it is (for some). They are not afraid of failure like some people.

And some coaches, like Ben, aren't chasing the almighty dollar. A few million a year is enough to take pretty good care of your family, I presume. Ben is Iowa through and through. He ain't goin' anywhere. Instead, he'll turn Iowa into a blue blood. That challenge and opportunity enough for someone with Ben's mindset, the guy who stayed at NW Missouri for 14 years.

DuddyB · Mar 28, 2026

HawkInDenver said:
Read somewhere that he was asked directly if he would be the coach at Iowa next year and he gave a direct answer -yes.

I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I think he also is getting paid enough (for now). That said, I would not be surprised if he got a contract extension + pay bump when the tourney is over...

And he should get an extension and an NIL commitment bump.

Jayb01 · Mar 28, 2026

HawkInDenver said:
I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I concur. I think he truly does believe he can win anywhere. And he's home doing the job he always wanted. To a guy like that he doesn't look at the prestige and resources of another job as a necessity to succeed. I think if he continues to be successful the risk of losing him would be to the NBA.

ComradeKirk · Mar 28, 2026

Jayb01 said:
I concur. I think he truly does believe he can win anywhere. And he's home doing the job he always wanted. To a guy like that he doesn't look at the prestige and resources of another job as a necessity to succeed. I think if he continues to be successful the risk of losing him would be to the NBA.

I was worried about him leaving to the NBA in the future, but not after listening to some of his interviews this week. He talks like a dude that loves being a college basketball coach.

The only thing that worries me is the university rug pulling him and Kansas sitting there waiting to hoover him up. But I’m confident in Beth to take care of it.

Franisdaman · Mar 28, 2026

Herbert Davis was 125-54 (.698) in 5 years at North Carolina. He made the NCAA Tournament 4 times. In 2022, his first year, he took UNC to the national championship game, losing to Kansas, 72-69.

North Carolina was 19-5 this season before star freshman forward Caleb Wilson broke his hand. They went 5-4 the rest of the way, including a first round loss to #11 seed VCU in the NCAA Tournament.

Franisdaman · Mar 28, 2026

Herky T Hawk said:
As it is in his one season he’s already put his name up just behind Bucky, Ralph, Lute, and Dr. Tom on our list of greatest coaches.

So it boils down to two things. 1. Can he get the recruits that he wants while he’s our coach? 2. Does he want to be a legend at a school like Iowa or another name in the long list of coaches at a blue blood school where the lights burn as bright as the expectations are high?

If he goes to UNC and has 5 straight elite eight runs without making the Final Four, they may very well can him because he can’t get over the hump. Do that at Iowa and we’re writing a lifetime contract.

Lute left Iowa for a few reasons: he didn't like living in a fish bowl, warmer weather, it allowed him to be closer to family. Luckily, Ben is an Iowa guy.

The one thing that should concern us all: a year ago Ben was looking for a big in the portal. He said bigs were too expensive. What if the thinks that having that big this season would have made the difference? What if he never quite has the money to get Iowa over the hump? Then I would be worried he'd start listening to offers from schools who have a lot more money for players.

And keep in mind, too, that Bennett Stirtz could have made a lot more money going somewhere else this season. We all want to get a PG in the portal this off season but what if the asking price is too much for Iowa's budget?

LetsGoHawks83 · Mar 28, 2026

ComradeKirk said:
I was worried about him leaving to the NBA in the future, but not after listening to some of his interviews this week. He talks like a dude that loves being a college basketball coach.

The only thing that worries me is the university rug pulling him and Kansas sitting there waiting to hoover him up. But I’m confident in Beth to take care of it.

He loves shaping young men. College is the perfect place to do it. He also wants the right FIT for the guys he brings in. I'd imagine he'd lose some of that control at a blue-blood, when the ones with the $$$$ decide they found someone THEY want.

We are 99.9% safe that he'll be at Iowa for at least 5 years. Who knows where things are at in 5 years.

Amahawk · Mar 28, 2026

I am pretty sure that he stays for a while. I always wonder when I here that "I am not going anywhere" or worse that an A.D. gives a coach a vote of confidence.

ComradeKirk · Mar 28, 2026

Amahawk said:
I am pretty sure that he stays for a while. I always wonder when I here that "I am not going anywhere" or worse that an A.D. gives a coach a vote of confidence.

Hoping since he's a hometown hero, the Jason Belfort "I'm not f*cking leaving" is truth. But the AD vote of confidence is always the kiss of death lol you're position is basically untenable at that point.

BioHawk2 · Mar 28, 2026

HawkInDenver said:
Read somewhere that he was asked directly if he would be the coach at Iowa next year and he gave a direct answer -yes.

I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I think he also is getting paid enough (for now). That said, I would not be surprised if he got a contract extension + pay bump when the tourney is over...

I'm betting that deal is already done and they are just waiting for the season to be over before they announce it. Those are certainly the vibes I get from the responses he was giving.

BioHawk2 · Mar 28, 2026

Franisdaman said:
Lute left Iowa for a few reasons: he didn't like living in a fish bowl, warmer weather, it allowed him to be closer to family. Luckily, Ben is an Iowa guy.

The one thing that should concern us all: a year ago Ben was looking for a big in the portal. He said bigs were too expensive. What if the thinks that having that big this season would have made the difference? What if he never quite has the money to get Iowa over the hump? Then I would be worried he'd start listening to offers from schools who have a lot more money for players.

And keep in mind, too, that Bennett Stirtz could have made a lot more money going somewhere else this season. We all want to get a PG in the portal this off season but what if the asking price is too much for Iowa's budget?

I would think any contract extension McCullum gets would include a significant bump in NIL money.

Amahawk · Mar 28, 2026

Do contracts even matter? Except for pay, coaches jump ship or get fired anyway.

Max Rebo · Mar 28, 2026

I don’t think Ben is going anywhere, so for the time being, these rumors are great publicity for the program. Confirms the notion that Ben is building something special, and that players want to play for him. It’s a good thing to have your coach be in demand.

I suppose there could be a point when rumors like this become a distraction; but for the moment, they are a clear net positive.

DuddyB · Mar 28, 2026

Max Rebo said:
I don’t think Ben is going anywhere, so for the time being, these rumors are great publicity for the program. Confirms the notion that Ben is building something special, and that players want to play for him. It’s a good thing to have your coach be in demand.

I suppose there could be a point when rumors like this become a distraction; but for the moment, they are a clear net positive.

I think he’s here 4 years minimum.

Hawksbyamillion_rivals316961 · Mar 28, 2026

I think he’s here at least until all his kids graduate high school. He’s talked about the toll moving twice in 2 years has taken on his family, this is his dream job, and they’re building a house.

Zach Jump · Mar 28, 2026

Amahawk said:
Do contracts even matter? Except for pay, coaches jump ship or get fired anyway.

The contracts are as strong as they are written. Many of them have buyouts for either party.

Some contracts have no provision for the school to fire the coach. In those cases they are not fired...just told that they are no longer allowed to come to work but we will still pay you.

Kceasthawk@77 · Mar 28, 2026

93hawkeye said:
except, that's not how a lot of these coaches look at things. The bigger the stage and the brighter the lights, the more fulfilling it is (for some). They are not afraid of failure like some people.

I just don't see Ben as that type of coach. He's not an "me" guy. He's about relationships. When you hear him talk its just like Kirk. Give me tough guys, from good families, who will allow me to mold them into outstanding young men first and foremost.

Franisdaman · Mar 28, 2026

Max Rebo said:
I don’t think Ben is going anywhere, so for the time being, these rumors are great publicity for the program. Confirms the notion that Ben is building something special, and that players want to play for him. It’s a good thing to have your coach be in demand.

I suppose there could be a point when rumors like this become a distraction; but for the moment, they are a clear net positive.

2 of the best jobs (if not the top 2) are North Carolina (open) and Kansas (Self might retire).

Whoever takes the job (or the 2 jobs) then creates another vacancy and the coaching carousel gets even more crazy.

Franisdaman · Mar 28, 2026

DuddyB said:
I think he’s here 4 years minimum.

he's gonna be 45 soon.

I demand that he be Iowa's head coach until he is at least 70.

Thank you.

BunchofAholes · Mar 28, 2026

There were no "rumors", just the same old predictable ******** people toss out for clicks.

Tom Paris · Mar 28, 2026

HawkInDenver said:
Read somewhere that he was asked directly if he would be the coach at Iowa next year and he gave a direct answer -yes.

I think he wants to see what he can build here.

I think he also is getting paid enough (for now). That said, I would not be surprised if he got a contract extension + pay bump when the tourney is over...

Plus with this tournament run, at Iowa, it bought him a lot of job security. I would be surprised if he’s not the coach in 10 years. I could see him here for 20. He’s at home and Iowa is a patient place.

Tom Paris · Mar 28, 2026

ComradeKirk said:
Yeah. Elite coaches and athletes are absolute sickos and they will back themselves to be the guy that does it at the big program. But I’m not too worried about Ben leaving as long as we can continue to match his ambition. Because right now he wants to be the guy that does it at Iowa.

Because he’s a Hawkeye.

Tom Paris · Mar 28, 2026

DukeSlater said:
And some coaches, like Ben, aren't chasing the almighty dollar. A few million a year is enough to take pretty good care of your family, I presume. Ben is Iowa through and through. He ain't goin' anywhere. Instead, he'll turn Iowa into a blue blood. That challenge and opportunity enough for someone with Ben's mindset, the guy who stayed at NW Missouri for 14 years.

The money to pay players would have to be here to turn into a blue blood.

doughuddl2_rivals · Mar 28, 2026

Hawkangler said:
Beth's no dummy, I'm sure Ben will get a nice raise and extension. His new house might get a little nicer.

Also getting raises this year...

May
Lloyd
Golden

UNC will be asking them

Reporters asked & Ben McCollum answered. Despite the rumors, he's not going anywhere

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Ben McCollum says he will remain at Iowa despite other openings