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Jon Heacock Retires After 40 Years of Coaching Excellence

12/24/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Jon Heacock, Iowa State's defensive coordinator, announced his retirement after more than 40 years in coaching.
Under his leadership, Iowa State ranked top three in scoring defense seven times.
He was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2017 and received nominations from 2022 to 2025.
He began coaching in 1983 and previously served as head coach at Youngstown State, posting a 60-44 record.

History

Historical Context

John Franklin Broyles, a pivotal figure in college football, coached the Arkansas Razorbacks from 1958 to 1976, achieving a record of 144 wins and seven Southwest Conference titles. He established the Broyles Award in 1996 to honor outstanding assistant coaches. His retirement in 2017 marked a significant shift in college football, emphasizing the lasting impact of defensive strategies and coaching legacies.

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Story summary

Jon Heacock, Iowa State's defensive coordinator, announced his retirement after more than 40 years in coaching.
Under his leadership, Iowa State ranked top three in scoring defense seven times.
He was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2017 and received nominations from 2022 to 2025.
He began coaching in 1983 and previously served as head coach at Youngstown State, posting a 60-44 record.

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