Chris Polizzi has been appointed as the special teams coordinator for the University of Iowa football team, as announced by head coach Kirk Ferentz. Polizzi, with over 20 years of coaching experience, previously contributed as an analyst for the Hawkeyes’ secondary. He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and a commitment to reinforcing the program’s values of tough, smart, and physical football. His background includes notable achievements as defensive coordinator at the University of Tulsa and significant success with the University of Tennessee-Martin's defense.

By the Numbers
  • Iowa's defense was ranked in the top 20 nationally in several categories, including sixth in first down defense (204) and eighth in scoring defense (15.6).
  • Polizzi's defensive units at UT Martin achieved back-to-back Ohio Valley Conference Championships in 2021 and 2022.
Yes, But

While Polizzi has an impressive coaching resume, some may question the transition from a defensive analyst to a special teams coordinator, where different strategic challenges and expertise may be required.

State of Play
  • Polizzi brings a wealth of experience, having built successful defensive programs at multiple universities.
  • He follows in the footsteps of a successful special teams legacy at Iowa that emphasizes fundamentals and game-changing plays.
What's Next

Polizzi is expected to implement new strategies that could enhance Iowa's special teams play, potentially leading to greater contributions in crucial game situations during the upcoming season.

Bottom Line

With Chris Polizzi at the helm of special teams, Iowa aims to elevate its overall performance and maintain its esteemed reputation for strong, competitive football.