He’s best known as the football coach who led the Iowa Hawkeyes to Big Ten Championships in 2002 and 2004, solidifying his reputation as a strong leader on the field. Over the course of his career, the football coach has also made a mark in the NFL, where he served in key roles such as offensive line coach for both the Cleveland Browns and the Baltimore Ravens. Before all the accolades, though, he was just a determined player—back in his college days, he played linebacker and even served as team captain at the University of Connecticut. It’s clear that leadership runs in the family, since his son Brian has followed in his footsteps, working as the tight ends coach for the New England Patriots. Throughout it all, the football coach has remained a respected figure in the sport, admired for his dedication, experience, and deep understanding of the game.
Back in 2013, he stood out as the highest-paid state employee across Iowa, earning a notable salary of $3.775 million. That year, his compensation placed him at the very top of the pay scale, making him a key figure in state employment discussions. He wasn’t just among the top earners—he was the top earner, with a paycheck that reflected his prominent role. His position and salary sparked conversations statewide, as people took note of just how much he was bringing home. He truly made headlines, not only for his role but also for being the highest-compensated individual in Iowa’s public sector at the time.