Iowa athletics director Gary Barta is expected to announce his retirement, the school announced Friday.
Barta, 59, has run Iowa's athletics department since 2006.
After 17 years at Iowa, Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair Gary Barta announces his retirement. #Hawkeyes
— The Iowa Hawkeyes (@TheIowaHawkeyes) May 26, 2023
He has come under significant fire lately due to mounting controversies, most of them centered around the football program.
In March, Iowa state auditor Rob Sand called for Barta's firing in exchange for the state covering $2 million in settlements to a handful of former Hawkeye players, as a result of alleged mistreatment they received while playing football.
"Enough is enough. Clear personal accountability is necessary," Sand said. "I will not support taxpayers funding this settlement unless Gary Barta is no longer employed at the university and forfeits any severance or similar pay. I encourage you to join me. Real accountability will help prevent discrimination, protecting both taxpayers and future victims."
The University of Iowa eventually covered the entire $4.175 million judgment.
Iowa has also been roundly criticized for continuing to employ Brian Ferentz as offensive coordinator despite repeated and obvious underperformance on that side of the ball. To skirt state anti-nepotism laws, Barta, not Kirk Ferentz, is Brian Ferentz's supervisor. The braintrust amended Brian Ferentz's contract this season that requires Iowa to average 25 points this season in order for his contract to be renewed.
Iowa teams won 12 Big Ten titles in Barta's years running the department, and the women's basketball team played for the national championship last month. Barta also spent two years as chairman of the College Football Playoff selection committee.
Deputy AD Beth Goetz is widely expected to be his replacement; Goetz joined the department last year after four years as Ball State's AD. The school says an interim AD will be announced next week.
“Gary’s achievements at the University of Iowa are significant, and our coaches and student-athletes have enjoyed tremendous success on and off the field during his tenure,” said Iowa president Barbara Wilson. “I’m grateful for his leadership as a Hawkeye and I wish him well in his retirement."
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.