Chris Doyle's 21-year tenure as Iowa's head strength and conditioning coach has come to an end.
The University of Iowa announced Monday that it has reached a separation agreement with Doyle, bringing his time with the Hawkeyes to an end just over a week after he was accused of racism by numerous former Iowa players.
Per the terms of his separation agreement, Doyle will be paid the next 15 months of his base salary, totaling over $1.1 million.
Here's the separation agreement between Chris Doyle and the UI: pic.twitter.com/DACDHbg4VS
— Mike Hlas (@Hlas) June 15, 2020
Iowa also announced Monday that it has hired a Kansas City-based law firm, Husch Blackwell, “to conduct an independent review of issues and allegations relating to racial disparities within the football program.”
Doyle's official separation from the university comes nine days after he was placed on administrative leave, which came after a multitude of former Hawkeyes accused him of racist behavior. In a statement released by the university on Monday, Doyle maintained his innocence.
“I am grateful Iowa football provided an opportunity to work with incredible players, coaches, and support staff,” Doyle said. “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.”
Raimond Braithwaite, who has been an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Hawkeyes for 16 years, will serve as Iowa's interim director of football strength and conditioning.
Doyle was the highest-paid strength coach in college football. With his departure from Iowa, Ohio State's Mickey Marotti – who is set to make $801,150 in 2020 – is now in line to be the nation's highest-paid strength and conditioning coach.
