Bio
Jack Koerner, a former member of the Hawkeye football team, completed his first year as a graduate assistant coach with the University of Iowa football program. He assists with the Hawkeye defensive secondary.
In 2023, the Hawkeyes won 10 games, including their final four, to capture the Big Ten West Division for the second time in three years. Iowa advanced to another January bowl game (Citrus Bowl) and finished the season ranked No. 24.
The Hawkeyes ranked fourth nationally in scoring defense (14.8) and passing efficiency defense (102.1), fifth in passing yards per game (170.7), and seventh in total defense (282.5) in 2023. Individually, DB Cooper DeJean was a unanimous consensus All-American and honored as the Tatum-Woodson Big Ten Defensive Back of the Year, while DB Sebastian Castro also earned All-America accolades.
Koerner signed an NFL free agent contract with the New Orleans Saints following his Iowa career. He played the 2023 XFL season with San Antonio.
Koerner is a four-year letterman (2018-21) as a member of the Hawkeye secondary. He completed his playing career with 217 tackles, tied for 59th on Iowa’s career list, while starting 32 career games. Koerner began his Hawkeye career as a walk-on before earning a scholarship. He twice earned Academic All-Big Ten recognition. Iowa posted a 35-13 record during his career, winning the 2019 Outback Bowl over Mississippi State and the 2019 Holiday Bowl over USC.
As a senior in 2021, Koerner started every game as the Hawkeyes won the Big Ten West Division title. He ranked sixth in the conference with six interceptions. He was named a permanent team captain and earned the Hayden Fry Award and Brett Greenwood Award while being named honorable mention All-Big Ten by league coaches and media.
Koerner earned second-team All-Big Ten honors as a junior, starting all eight games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.
As a prep, Koerner earned first-team all-state honors as a senior. He helped his prep team at Dowling Catholic post a 40-2 record, winning state titles in his junior and senior seasons.
Koerner is a native of Des Moines, Iowa. He earned his bachelor’s degree in sport and recreation management from Iowa in 2021.