The Gary Barta bombshell was made for social media.
Of course, on Friday morning, news broke that Barta would be retiring on Aug. 1. After 17 years leading the Iowa Hawkeyes, a new athletics director will soon be presiding over the University of Iowa’s athletics.
Iowa won four wrestling national championships and just played in the women’s basketball national title with Caitlin Clark and co. this past spring. In addition to those accomplishments, Iowa captured 27 Big Ten team crowns under Barta’s watch.
Still, the Barta story at Iowa isn’t one without controversy. It’s a complicated legacy that resulted in a series of discrimination settlements totaling over $11 million during his run as the Hawkeyes’ athletics director.
Naturally, given the complicated history, some Iowa fans saw this as a welcome bit of good news. Meanwhile, others pointed out that the Hawkeyes’ athletics programs have had a fair bit of success with Barta as the AD.
Iowa fans had plenty to say on social media about the news on Friday morning. From potential replacement candidates to just pure shock, here were the best reactions to the breaking news.
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It’s official
Iowa is a great gig
A good morning for some
Peak achievement
Sadly, it’s all a ruse
Thank you, Hawkize
How about natties?
What happens now on the NIL front
A checklist
Another Carver suggestion
Maybe the new AD is actually Brian Ferentz
You can have Brian then
And who will be the new boss?
Get it done
One era ends, one campaign begins
Change is certainly on the horizon
What about JBo?
New Iowa AD Bob Stoops
A vote for Gene Taylor
Some thoughts from Chris Hassel
The officially unofficial audio announcement
The top candidate?
Very positive reviews
And another guess it’s Goetz
Should it start and end there?
A quick PSA from a rival
Sarcasm, folks
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