BTN.com staff, December 11, 2011
Iowa defensive coordinator Norm Parker announced Sunday that he will retire following the 2011 Insight Bowl. The Hawkeyes (7-5) meet Oklahoma on Friday, Dec. 30 (9 p.m. CT, ESPN) at Arizona State?s Sun Devil Stadium (see our 2011-12 bowl schedule). ?I would like to personally thank Gary Barta, Kirk Ferentz, the coaches, and players at Iowa, along with the fantastic fans," Parker said in a statement. "It has been a great time, one that myself and my entire family greatly appreciate."
Parker spent 13 successful seasons as Iowa's DC. Under Parker?s direction, the Hawkeyes ranked among the top 10 nationally in rushing defense five times and have been in the top 10 in scoring defense three of the past four seasons. In 2010, Iowa was fifth nationally in total defense (332.1), sixth in rushing defense (101.5) and seventh in scoring defense (17.0).
