The University of Iowa announced Monday that it had reached a separation agreement with long-time strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle.
As reported by Sports Illustrated, the announcement came after weekend negotiations with Doyle, who had been at Iowa since 1999.
Doyle had been on administrative leave pending an independent review into allegations that he had made racially insensitive comments to players.
Related: Iowa Strength Coach Suspended Over Claims of Racism
According to the agreement, Doyle voluntarily resigned from the university on Monday. The agreement also states it is "not a resignation in lieu of termination." He will be paid 15 months of base salary in two lump-sum payments of $556,249.50 on Aug. 1, 2020 and Jan. 1, 2021. The university will also pay health and dental insurance premiums through Sept. 1, 2021, or until Doyle begins employment with health benefits elsewhere, SI reported.
Iowa's Office of General Counsel has retained the Kansas City law firm of Husch Blackwell to conduct the independent review, which Barta said would begin immediately and take, "weeks, not months."
"We don't need an independent review to tell us we have issues," Barta said. "We know we have issues. We have begun taking steps to improve and move forward.
"However, the independent review is important in order to look into specific concerns that have been brought forward, to clarify [and] maybe expand on some things we are aware of."
Doyle released a statement:
Iowa City has been home to our family for 21 years. I am grateful Iowa football provided an opportunity to work with incredible players, coaches, and support staff. I have worked diligently to make a positive impact on the lives of student-athletes, support them as they speak out, and look forward to continued growth. I am confident that my record and character will be confirmed in the course of the independent review. The University and I have reached an agreement and it is time to move on from Iowa football. My family and I are looking forward to the next chapter.
