Aug. 15, 2003
American Football Monthly named University of Iowa assistant football coach Lester Erb Special Teams Coordinator of the Year Thursday.
Erb, now in his fourth year at Iowa, coaches Iowa’s receivers and special teams.
Last year, Iowa’s special teams excelled in the kickoff, punting, place-kicking and kick blocks categories. Iowa topped the nation in kickoff returns (25.1 yard average) last year and finished third in Big Ten punt returns (11.8). Four opponent kicks were blocked and were turned into scores for the Hawkeyes.
The offensive and defensive coordinator of the year awards went to Southern Cal’s Norm Chow (offense) and Georgia’s Brian VanGorder (defense).
Erb becomes the third Iowa coach honored following the 2002 season. Head coach Kirk Ferentz was named Associated Press and Walter Camp Coach of the Year. Defensive line coach Ron Aiken was named Division I Assistant Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association.
Iowa opens the 2003 football season Saturday at home against Miami (O). Kickoff is 11:02 a.m. in Kinnick Stadium.