Dillon Doyle

Former University of Iowa linebacker Dillon Doyle is transferring to Baylor in the wake of his father’s “separation agreement” with the Hawkeyes. Doyle announced the move in a message posted to Twitter on Thursday, three days after his father’s run as Iowa’s strength coach came to an end.

Chris Doyle had been Iowa’s strength coach since 1999, the year before Dillon was born. But he came under scrutiny following allegations of mistreatment of black players, and the saga ultimately led to the end of his tenure.

Dillon Doyle joined the Hawkeyes as a three-star prospect from Iowa City West in the class of 2018. He redshirted his first year before appearing in all 13 games and recording 23 tackles as a redshirt freshman in 2019. He was in contention for a starting role on Iowa’s defense in 2020.

“I will tell you that we’re very, very sad to see Dillon Doyle go,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said last week. “But we fully understand and support his decision. He’s a tremendous young man.”

The younger Doyle announced on June 9 that he planned to transfer as the controversy surrounding his father persisted. He would need a waiver to play immediately at Baylor, which is entering its first season under new coach Dave Aranda. Doyle will have three years to play once he is eligible.

“I’d like to thank Coach Aranda and Coach Roberts (defensive coordinator Ron Roberts) for the opportunity, and I want to thank everyone that has helped and supported me throughout my recruitment,” Dillon Doyle wrote. “Baylor provides a special situation to be a part of a culture with world-class people and coaches every day, and I can’t wait to get started.”