Iowa hires Drake's McCollum as head coach

Iowa reached a deal to hire Drake's Ben McCollum as its next head coach, Hawkeyes director of athletics Beth Goetz announced Monday.

Iowa parted ways with Fran McCaffery on March 14 after 15 seasons with the program. The Hawkeyes finished the campaign with a 17-16 overall record and missed their second consecutive NCAA Tournament.

"We are excited to welcome coach McCollum and his family back to Iowa City," Goetz said in a statement. "Ben has a track record of success both on and off the court. His talent for developing student-athletes and fostering a strong team culture has been evident throughout his career.

"I am confident that Hawkeye fans will enthusiastically support the McCollum family as we embark on the next chapter of Iowa men's basketball."

McCollum guided Drake to a 31-4 mark during his lone season with the school. The Bulldogs won the Missouri Valley regular-season title and captured the conference tournament crown to advance to the Big Dance.

Drake upset 6-seed Missouri for its first NCAA Tournament win since 1971 before falling to Texas Tech in the next round.

McCollum previously spent 15 seasons with Division II school Northwest Missouri State, posting a 394-91 record and winning four national championships.