Iowa reaches separation agreement with strength coach Chris Doyle

Iowa reached a separation agreement with strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle on Monday, the school announced.

The university has also engaged the Kansas City law firm of Husch Blackwell to conduct an independent review into allegations that black players were treated differently within the football program.

Doyle will receive $1.11 million as a buyout and full health benefits for the next 15 months as part of the settlement agreement, according to Stadium's Brett McMurphy.

"Iowa City has been home to our family for 21 years," Doyle said in a statement. "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."

Multiple ex-Hawkeyes publicly spoke out against Doyle, describing unfair treatment and racist remarks during their time with the program. Iowa initially placed the coach on administrative leave.

Doyle, 51, subsequently released a statement in which he denied making racist remarks or acting on racial bias. Head coach Kirk Ferentz and multiple current players spoke to reporters Friday to address the program's issues.

"It has given all of us a better and deeper understanding of what racism and bias is, and it has begun initiative for real change," Ferentz said. "As a team and as a program we have a responsibility and a tremendous opportunity at this moment to lead the change and set a new, higher standard for collegiate football."

Doyle was named Iowa's strength and conditioning coach in 1999. He also became the program's executive director in 2015. Raimond Braithwaite will replace Doyle as the interim director of the strength and conditioning program.