Phil Parker

IOWA CITY — University of Iowa defensive coordinator and secondary coach Phil Parker has been named the recipient of the 2023 American Football Coaches Association Assistant FBS Coach of the Year Award.

Parker was selected by the AFCA committee from a total of 98 nominees. Earlier this month, Parker was presented the Broyles Award, which is awarded annually to the top assistant coach in college football.

The Assistant Coach of the Year award was first presented in 1997 and was created to honor assistant coaches who excel in community service, commitment to the student-athlete, on-field coaching success and AFCA professional organization involvement.

Parker joins Norm Parker (2013) and Ron Aiken (2002) as Hawkeye assistants who have earned the award.

The Hawkeyes have allowed just 15 touchdowns in 13 games (tied for the third fewest in the NCAA) and the unit ranks fourth nationally, giving up 13.2 points per game. It’s the lowest by an Iowa defense since 2008.