Longtime Kirk Ferentz defensive coordinator Norm Parker has been hospitalized and won’t make the trip west for the No. 9 Iowa Hawkeyes’ meeting with No. 24 Arizona, according to the Daily Iowan:
Iowa Vs. Arizona: Hawkeyes Will Travel Without DC Norm Parker
The 68-year-old coach, who has long battled diabetes, checked into the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics on Sept. 10 with back pain. Parker remained at the UIHC on Tuesday, Ferentz told the media at his weekly press conference.
Parker had a second toe amputated before the 2009 season. A cast has been on his right leg for 11 out of the last 14 months, Ferentz estimated Tuesday. Lately, he has been relegated to coaching in the press box.
Ferentz, who visited his defensive coordinator in the hospital Monday, had no timetable for Parker’s return.
SB Nation’s Black Heart Gold Pants is taking this news in stride:
Word is that Norm Parker’s health may prevent him from flying and thus he will not be able to attend the Arizona game. A Hawkeye defense that takes the field without Parker on the sidelines is akin to an Ashlee Simpson SNL performance. Expect the Hawkeye defense to exit the stage in utter humiliation while the band plays on in embarrassment.
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