
Live updates from the NCAA gymnastics championship final
Follow live updates from the NCAA gymnastics championship final!
Jay Norvell returns to Iowa after nearly 40 years, joining the coaching staff as the running backs coach for the 2026 season. He expressed his deep connection to the program, calling it 'my tribe.'
Mentioned in this story
After nearly 40 years away from the program, Jay Norvell has returned to his alma mater.
Norvell played at Iowa from 1982-85 and then spent a few years as a graduate assistant with the Hawkeyes before starting his coaching journey at Northern Iowa. He's spent years as a positional and head coach around the country, honing his craft and earning plenty of respect along the way. Now, he's made his way back home to join Kirk Ferentz's staff.
Norvell will serve as the running backs coach for the Hawkeyes in 2026, working with one of the strongest position groups on the roster. On Friday, he spoke to the media about what it means to return to Iowa and coach at his alma mater.
"I had chances to be a coordinator, I had a chance to be a head coach again. It just wasn't the right situation for me, it wasn't the right people for me. This is my tribe," Norvell said on Friday.
Norvell also spoke about his relationship with Ferentz and how far back the two go.
"Coach Ferentz came to Iowa the same year I did, in 1981. He was our offensive line coach. The transformation of those years and this university are very special to me. I'm very grateful to be back," Norvell said.
It's apparent from all the early conversations with Norvell how much love and appreciation he has for the University of Iowa. He's going to give it his all this season to help the Hawkeyes compete in a tough Big Ten conference.
With Kamari Moulton, Xavier Williams, Nathan McNeil, and LJ Phillips Jr. all under the guidance of Norvell, there's no reason to believe that group won't have a big 2026 season. The program is in a better spot with Norvell in the fold.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions.
Jay Norvell returned to Iowa football because he felt a strong connection to the program, referring to it as 'my tribe.'
Jay Norvell will serve as the running backs coach for the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2026.
Before returning to Iowa, Jay Norvell had years of experience as both a positional and head coach across various programs.

Follow live updates from the NCAA gymnastics championship final!

Roberto De Zerbi believes Tottenham can win their last five games to avoid relegation.
David Miller shines in final over as DC beats RCB in IPL 2026!

Al-Ahli takes on Vissel Kobe in the AFC Champions League semifinals!
Tim David of RCB reaches 1,000 IPL runs, second-fastest after Andre Russell.

Alfonso Reyes critica los silbidos al himno nacional en la final de Copa.
See every story in Sports — including breaking news and analysis.
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: 'This is my tribe': Jay Norvell speaks about Iowa football return