The grumbles are getting louder in the Iowa men’s basketball fan base about the direction of the program after the Hawkeyes’ 82-65 loss at Ohio State on Monday.

The Hawkeyes have been defeated in four consecutive road games by margins of 31, 10, 24 and 17 and dropped to 13-8 overall, 4-6 in Big Ten Conference play. They next host Purdue, one of the top teams in the league, on Feb. 4.What would the University of Iowa owe 15-year head coach Fran McCaffery if he is not retained through the end of his contract?

Here are the details:

How many years does Fran McCaffery have left on his contract? How much does the Iowa basketball coach make?  

McCaffery’s most recent contract was signed on March 12, 2021, in the wake of Iowa getting a No. 2 seed in the NCAA Tournament, an agreement that extended his services through June 30, 2028.

If Iowa wanted to get out of the deal – termination without cause – it would owe McCaffery “60% of his base salary for each year (or portion thereof) remaining” in his contract.

The “base salary” is key language here, because while McCaffery’s total compensation for the university for the 2024-25 season is $3.4 million, only $2,050,000 of that is considered “base salary.” McCaffery is due an additional $900,000 for this contract year for public-speaking appearances, fund-raising and camps; he gets $300,000 for television and radio appearances (half of which is paid by Learfield Communications); and $150,000 from Nike for apparel/shoes (paid by Nike but guaranteed income).

What is Fran McCaffery’s buyout? 

McCaffery’s base salary for the three years remaining on his contract (after the current one) are $2,100,000 for 2025-26; $2,150,000 for 2026-27; and $2,250,000 for 2027-28. Taking 60% of that total equals $3.9 million.

If Iowa were to terminate McCaffery on, say, April 1, he would also be owed 60% of his base salary for the remaining three months of this contract year (through June 30) – which computes to $307,500.

Thus, McCaffery’s buyout would be roughly $4.2 million if he were fired around April 1. Add a few thousand bucks if such a move was executed earlier in March. Iowa’s final regular-season game is March 9. The Big Ten Tournament runs March 12-16 in Indianapolis.

Also, according to McCaffery’s contract terms, Iowa could pay the buyout over the course of 36 months, meaning on average it would cost the university athletics department about $1.4 million per year for three years to move on from McCaffery.

Fran McCaffery contract with University of Iowa

Ohio State 82, Iowa 65: On the Road (Getting Blown Out) Again

Where’s the Help?

No Freeman, No Rim Protection

Another Blowout Road Loss

Two Big Ten teams seeking some consistency will look to get some at the expense of the other on Monday night. 

Iowa travels to Columbus to face Ohio State on Monday night in league play as the Buckeyes enter as substantial favorites. However, Iowa’s offense has proven formidable even against sturdy competition for much of Big Ten play thus far. Will it hold up on the road? 

Let’s find out with our betting preview! 

Spread

Moneyline

Total: 156.5 (Over -105/Under -115)

Odds courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook

Iowa

Owen Freeman: The big man has stepped up in a big way for the Hawkeyes, fresh off a 16-point, nine rebound effort in a one point win against Penn State. The Hawkeyes offense is reliant on high octane shooting from all over the floor, but its Freeman’s elite play around the rim that has played a big role in Iowa ranking third in effective field goal percentage. 

Ohio State

Bruce Thornton: Thornton continues to stuff the stat sheet for the Buckeyes, scoring 11 points, grabbing six rebounds and dishing out five assists in the stunning second half rally against Purdue. Can Thornton continue to dictate the pace on offense and guide Ohio State to another win? 

While Ohio State deserves credit for beating Purdue in a monster second half rally, I’m not going to look past what this team has put on paper of late, including losing four of five prior to that win with its lone win involving a double overtime win at basement dweller Minnesota. 

The Buckeyes offense has struggled in Big Ten play, ranking 13th in effective field goal percentage while turning it over at a bottom two rate (20%). While Iowa’s defense has been incredibly poor, the team does generate turnovers at an above average rate that could steal possessions in what should be a high scoring affair. 

Meanwhile, the Buckeyes defense has been fairly fortunate all season, allowing .08 points per possession fewer than expected, per ShotQuality. With Iowa’s explosive offense that is third in effective field goal percentage, that’s a recipe for disaster. 

Further, can we trust Ohio State to win with margin? The team beat Rutgers by 14 back in December, but it’s two other Big Ten wins have come by one at Minnesota and three at Purdue. 

Now, Iowa had a nightmare road trip out west, losing to USC by 19 and UCLA by 24, but the team also nearly stunned Michigan on the road in Big Ten play, losing by two on the road. 

I don’t trust Ohio State to win big like this against an elite offense, I’ll take the points. 

PICK: Iowa +7.5

Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.

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