Amid UNC talk, T.J. Otzelberger says he's staying at Iowa St.
ESPN • • sports
Key Points:
- Iowa State coach T.J. Otzelberger denied rumors linking him to other coaching jobs, including the North Carolina vacancy, affirming his commitment to Iowa State and excitement about the program's future.
- Otzelberger, leading No. 2 seed Iowa State in the NCAA tournament Sweet 16, emphasized strong alignment with university leadership and dismissed all speculation as untrue.
- Athletic director Jamie Pollard expressed strong support for Otzelberger, confirming on social media that the coach will remain with the Cyclones long-term.
- Otzelberger is in his fifth season at Iowa State with a 124-52 record and three Sweet 16 appearances; he signed a contract extension in December 2024 through 2031-32, paying $4 million annually with a $4 million buyout clause.
- Before returning to Iowa State as head coach, Otzelberger led programs at UNLV and South Dakota State and previously served as an assistant at Iowa State from 2006 to 2013.
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