Iowa State University’s defensive coordinator, Jon Heacock, announced his retirement on Tuesday, concluding a coaching career that spanned over four decades. Heacock’s departure marks the end of a significant era for the Cyclones, where he was known for implementing a successful 3-3-5 defensive scheme.
During his tenure at Iowa State, which lasted a decade, Heacock played a crucial role as a top assistant under head coach Matt Campbell. His contributions to the program were recognized when he became a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2017, an honor awarded to college football’s top assistant coach. Heacock was nominated for the award again from 2022 to 2025, highlighting his sustained impact on the team’s defensive performance.
In addition to his time at Iowa State, Heacock also served as an assistant coach at Toledo for two seasons before joining Campbell. Heacock’s coaching career began in 1983 at Toledo as a graduate assistant. He also worked under the legendary Bo Schembechler at Michigan and was the defensive coordinator for Jim Tressel at Youngstown State.
Heacock’s head coaching experience includes a successful stint at Youngstown State from 2001 to 2009, where he led the team to a record of 60-44. Under his guidance, Youngstown State reached the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) semifinals in 2006, earning him conference coach of the year honors on two occasions.
The announcement of Heacock’s retirement comes shortly after Matt Campbell left Iowa State to head the football program at Penn State. As the Cyclones look to fill the void left by both Campbell and Heacock, they must consider the strategic direction of the program moving forward.
Heacock, who is 65 years old and hails from Beloit, Ohio, leaves behind a legacy of strong defensive play and mentorship that has shaped many players’ careers. His retirement signifies a notable transition for Iowa State football, as they prepare to enter a new chapter in their program’s history.
