Tim Lester impressing Kirk Ferentz with impact on Iowa’s offense
Iowa Offensive Coordinator Tim Lester runs a play with quarterback Cade McNamara during the final scrimmage of the spring Saturday April 20, 2024 at Kinnick Stadium. (Lynn Harrington/stayaliveinpower5)
INDIANAPOLIS — After only being on the job for six months, Iowa’s new Offensive Coordinator is already establishing a strong presence with the players, and the rest of the staff members.
Everything is looking promising to Coach Kirk Ferentz as the Hawkeyes approach fall camp, and the team is rallying behind Tim Lester. After all, he has a wealth of knowledge that the players are soaking up like a sponge, making the situation a smooth transition.
Iowa has three healthy quarterbacks, the backfield is deep and talented, plus tight end Luke Lachey is back at full strength, so Ferentz feels the offense is ahead of schedule under Lester’s watch.
“It’s hard to judge impact because we haven’t played anybody yet, but I see a lot of positive things and Tim fits in really well,” Ferentz said. “A high energy guy, who’s got a really good grasp of what he wants to do, and a great vision of where he wants to go, and he’s been interactive with everybody on the staff, so to me that’s a quality of a good coach and leader.”
Lester has a credible resume too, with 22 years of coaching experience. He’s a midwest guy, that knows the blue-collar style of football it takes to win in the Big Ten. What Ferentz admires most about Lester is the fact that he has head coaching experience, and led Western Michigan for multiple seasons.
The players are enjoying receiving tips from Lester, knowing that he’s going to put them in the right places to be successful. Ferentz understands Lester has his work cut out for him, considering he’s trying to fix one of the worst offenses in the nation from last season, but he has the Hawkeyes believing they can make strides this fall, especially the quarterbacks.
“His transition has been very seamless and natural, and from my observation he’s a coach that players tend to gravitate towards,” he said. “He did play the position, he’s coached it for a very long time, so he does have a level of expertise with the quarterback spot.”
Cade McNamara is benefiting the most from the situation, and the bond he’s building with Lester should make others around him better. The offensive line has depth, and experience. Iowa fans want the big boys up front to play with some physicality, which hasn’t been present since Tyler Linderbaum was hiking the football.
It’s no mystery that the Hawkeyes need pass catchers too. Lachey will be the safety blanket for the quarterbacks, but Iowa still needs a reliable receiver that can stretch the field on defenses. Kaleb Brown has potential with his talent, but needs to stay out of trouble off the field.
The running backs should be a position of strength with the return of Leshon Williams, and Kaleb Johnson. The duo combined for 1,284 yards on the ground, and that was in limited action. At the end of the day, Brian Ferentz definitely didn’t leave the cupboard bare for Lester. Ferentz expects some growing pains though, once the pads start popping again.
However, there’s enough talent, leadership and production on offense for Lester to make a splash in the new 18-team, Big Ten. Ferentz can’t wait to see how the Lester era plays out in August, the most important month of the season in the 68-year old’s eyes, right around the corner.
“He’s firm on what he believes, he’s been pretty successful, so the players have really jumped in full-blown with him, and that’s what you hope to see with any coach.”
