Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend Connor McCaffery is an assistant coach on Butler’s men’s basketball team, so they have a lot in common when it comes to sports. The two met while both of them were students and college athletes at the University of Iowa, where McCaffery played on the men’s basketball team and Clark, famously, was a heavy-hitter on the women’s team.
For McCaffery, basketball is in the blood. His father, Fran McCaffery, has been the head basketball coach at Iowa for 15 seasons. But, that’s about to change, according to a new report from Pete Thamel of ESPN.
“Sources: Iowa is set to dismiss basketball coach Fran McCaffery after 15 seasons,” Thamel stated on X on Friday, March 14. “He reached seven NCAA tournaments in his 15 years and is the school’s all-time leader in wins with 297. Iowa finished 17-16 this year.”
Iowa basketball fans were quick to comment with their reactions. “End of an era for Iowa basketball! McCaffery’s impact was huge—curious to see who takes over next,” one wrote with fire emojis.
“They want more, but shame to see a guy with that footprint dismissed for going over .500,” another stated. “We better have someone already lined up. But not sure this is a good decision. Best player was hurt most of the season,” another said.
The news comes just a few hours after No. 15 Iowa fell to the No. 7 Illinois in the 2025 Big Ten Tournament. During the game, McCaffery received double technicals and was ejected with 13:33 remaining in the second half. So, if he’s going out, at least he’s going out with a bang and some drama.
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