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New Iowa DC Phil Parker to Stick to Basics

Sports

March 2nd, 2012 by Jim Field

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) — First-year Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker says he isn’t planning any major tweaks for the Hawkeyes next season.

The 48-year-old Parker spoke with reporters Friday for the first time since coach Kirk Ferentz announced he’d been promoted from defensive backs coach to replace longtime defensive coordinator Norm Parker, who retired after 13 seasons.

Phil Parker, who is no relation to Norm, says his predecessor told him to run the defense the way he sees fit. But Phil’s unit will probably look a lot like Norm’s because it’s been so successful over the past decade and a half.

Phil Parker says the Hawkeyes will still use a 4-3 front and probably won’t blitz much more than they have in the past.