IOWA CITY, Iowa — Tim Lester has been hired as the University of Iowa football's offensive coordinator, according to a school news release.
Lester spent the 2023-24 season as an analyst for the NFL's Green Bay Packers. Before his time with the Packers, Lester spent six seasons as the head coach at Western Michigan University (WMU), where he compiled a 37-32 record and led the Broncos to three winning seasons and a victory in the 2021 Quick Lane Bowl.
“When you have coached at every level of football like I have, you have a true appreciation for an opportunity like this at the University of Iowa,” Lester said. “I know the tradition and history of the Hawkeye program and I am excited to get to work with the outstanding players and coaches.”
Lester will assume the reigns of an Iowa offense that has been one of the worst in college football for three consecutive seasons under Brian Ferentz, the son of Head Coach Kirk Ferentz. In 2023-24, the Hawkeyes finished dead last in total offense and second to last in scoring offense out of 130 teams. In October, then Interim Athletic Director Beth Goetz informed Brian Ferentz that he would not be retained following the 2023-24 season.
“I am excited to welcome Tim to our coaching staff as our offensive coordinator,” said Kirk Ferentz. “His experience as both a head coach and a coordinator at several different levels of football gives him an excellent perspective. I believe his expertise and personality make him a perfect fit for this position.”
Prior to his coaching career, Lester was a four-year starting Quarterback at WMU. At the time of his graduation, Lester had secured the fourth most passing yards in FBS history (11,299) and sixth most touchdown passes (89).