Former Iowa Defensive Coordinator Norm Parker Passes

Norm Parker, former University of Iowa Defensive Coordinator, reportedly has passed away.

Parker served as one of the original staff members during the Coach Kirk Ferentz's era.  When Ferentz arrived in 1999, Parker coached the Hawkeye inside linebackers and outside linebackers during his first three years on the Iowa staff.  Eventually he moved to the defensive coordinator position.

Under Parker's direction, the Iowa defense was regarded as one of the most physical, hard-hitting units in the Big Ten and the nation.  Iowa had five defenses finish in the Top 10 nationally under Parker's leadership.

After 12 years with the Hawkeyes, Parker retired.

A cause of death was not immediately known. Parker battled diabetes throughout his stay at the University of Iowa.