Sept. 22, 2008
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IOWA CITY, IA – – Chigozie Ejiasi has been selected to be the University of Iowa’s first Director of Player Development. The announcement came today from Head Football Coach Kirk Ferentz.
Ejiasi just began his third year as an administrative assistant with the Iowa football staff. He will give up those duties to begin his new job immediately.
“There was a great deal of interest in this position as we had over 100 applicants,” said Ferentz. “We created this position to assist our student-athletes in the transition from high school to college and to help make their experience at Iowa as positive as possible. We’re venturing into new territory with this position and we all expect it to change and evolve as we move forward.
“After considering all who were interested in being our Director of Player Development, we decided Chigozie was the best fit. He has the respect of our student-athletes and he shares the vision of our coaching staff regarding expectations of the position. We’re all looking forward to what Chigozie brings to our program.”
In his position as an administrative assistant, Ejiasi assists the coaching staff in compiling statistical information, gathering information on opponents and recruits and assisting in the day to day operation of the football office.
Ejiasi was a four-year letterman as a defensive back during his Hawkeye playing career. He was a member of Big Ten championship teams in both 2002 and 2004. The Hawkeyes competed in four bowl games, claiming three victories, during Ejiasi’s career.
Ejiasi returned to the Iowa program after serving as the defensive backs coach and special team’s coordinator at North Iowa Area Community College during the 2005 season.
Ejiasi attended Prairie High School in Cedar Rapids, IA. He earned second team all-state honors as a senior and was a first team all-conference selection as a junior and senior. He was team captain and MVP as a senior, playing both wide receiver and defensive back. He set school records for receiving yards in a game (190 yards) and interceptions in a game (four) and also earned four letters in wrestling and track and field.
Ejiasi earned his bachelor’s degree in health and sports studies from the University of Iowa in 2005. He was born Dec. 3, 1981 in Houston, TX. He is single.
Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta was also pleased with Ferentz’ selection.
“Kirk approached me in 2007 and we discussed this position as a positive addition to our response related to off-the-field issues last year. I believe this type of position will become more prominent in college athletics around the country in the future. But, for now, we’re among a small group of programs who have made this commitment.
“We’ve spent a lot of time and effort trying to come up with the best person suited for this position,” said Barta. “Chigozie is a young man of high integrity who has earned the respect and trust of our student-athletes and coaches. Will he be an immediate cure for all the challenges facing our program, and college athletics in general? Absolutely not. But, I’m confident he’ll help to move us in the right direction.”