IOWA CITY — Former Iowa football defensive lineman Noah Shannon has joined the Hawkeyes’ staff as assistant director of player development, head coach Kirk Ferentz announced Aug. 8.
Shannon appeared in 42 games during his playing career with the Hawkeyes, including 28 starts, and recorded 107 tackles. Shannon did not play during the 2023 season after being ruled ineligible for his involvement in the state’s sports-wagering investigation, effectively ending his college career. Because he was not permitted to play during his final season in the program as a player, Shannon moved into a role as a student assistant.
His last game playing for the Hawkeyes was Iowa’s win over Kentucky in the 2022 Music City Bowl.
“It was just, like I said, part of maturing as a human being,” Shannon said of the situation in March 2024. “You’re not always gonna get your way in life. This was kinda like my first bit of adversity and I know God is just preparing me for what’s to come later in life. It won’t be my first and only time that I go through adversity. So just preparing me for what’s to come.”
After a brief professional football career, Shannon has returned to the Iowa program.
“I’m not sure he knows exactly where he wants to go professionally,” Ferentz said of Shannon. “This will give him a good opportunity to see both sides and kind of develop an idea of what he wants to do as he moves forward. I feel really good about that.”
Among the handful of staff updates Ferentz announced was that Jason Manson has transitioned to a new role.
Manson, who previously worked as director of player development for several years, has been elevated to senior analyst and assistant offensive coach.
Manson is a former quarterback and receiver for the Hawkeyes. He helped Iowa to a double-overtime win at Syracuse in 2006 in his lone start at quarterback. One of Manson’s sons, Julian, is a star at Iowa City West and committed to the Hawkeyes in the 2026 recruiting class.
Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com
This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Iowa football staff adds ex-defensive lineman Noah Shannon; Jason Manson earns promotion
Reporting by Tyler Tachman, Des Moines Register / Des Moines Register
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
