Groundbreaking defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has "officially retired a Cyclone!"

[The Rob Gray]

Groundbreaking defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has "officially retired a Cyclone!" - Cyclone Fanatic

Former Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock officially retired a Cyclone on Jan. 31, 2025. He coached college football for 43 years. Photo courtesy Iowa State Athletics Communications. AMES — Fate can be fickle. Its interminable twists and turns can lead down unpaved roads that snake...

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[cloneonledge]

Hey Jamie, can we please honor this guy during a men's basketball game? He did a lot for ISU and deserves to hear our appreciation! Plus, he can ask us what wins games and we can all yell, "defense, defense, defense!"

 

[MJ29]

So ... he retired a year ago? It says January 31, 2025.

 

[drmwevr08]

So ... he retired a year ago? It says January 31, 2025.

Yes, last year was all fumes.

 

[dafarmer]

Coach “Emeritus” sounds right. He has earned an office on campus.

 

[ElephantPie]

Hey Jamie, can we please honor this guy during a men's basketball game? He did a lot for ISU and deserves to hear our appreciation! Plus, he can ask us what wins games and we can all yell, "defense, defense, defense!"

And he can end his speech with "And let's beat the flippin' Jayhawks! Let's go!"

 

[Trice]

Watching the last two months shattered whatever tiny shred of romanticism still existed for us about college sports. But it means a lot that Heacock is going out as our guy. At least nobody can take that from us.

 

[iowastatefan1929]

We want a statue and we want it now!

 

[Cycsk]

I like hearing him refer to “our new players.”

That’s what it means to remain a Cyclone.

 

[DrClone]

Great that coach Heacock is staying in Ames. Congratulations on your retirement - you deserve it.
Thanks Coach!

 

[Sigmapolis]

If ever a guy needed to be on the pod/show...

 

[Cyghhh]

If ever a guy needed to be on the pod/show...

Chris just did an interview with him a few weeks ago

 

[snowcraig2.0]

Let's be real, he was the best football coach in Ames for the past 10 years.

 

[Cycsk]

If ever a guy needed to be on the pod/show...

"For sure."

 

[Pizzapitter]

42 years of coaching.
Just WOW + SMH...
Dude did more with LOW-mid level 3 stars, than one can comprehend.
Oh sure the 3 man front (10+ seconds to pass) sent the forums into a tizzy, but damn, we won a load of games via his philosophy.
Note, most importantly, how many defensive Cyclones are playing on Sunday's-beyond.
Somebody previously suggested that John be recognized at halftime during a game. Love it, tho me thinks it's not in his "dna."

 

[Pope]

If you're talking about quality human beings, they don't come much better than Jon Heacock.

Same is true if you're talking about quality coaches. Despite all the groaning about lack of pass rush, his defenses ranked at or near the top of the Big 12 year after year in fewest points allowed. He was the envy of all the other Big 12 coaching staffs.

I'm so happy Jon got to end his career on his own terms.

 

[MugNight]

Utmost respect to Jon. His pod with CW is exceptional.

Jon started as a teacher and coach. That’s evident in his approach and humility to help young people grow. Some guys just want to win, morals be damned. Jon is a treasure.

 

[Newell]

I assumed he had gone to Penn State with Campbell. Was he offered the DC job and turned it down or did he not want to go through a rebuild?

 

[Cyclone06]

Rename the Jacobsen in his honor!

Better yet, have all the players wear Heacock on the back of their jerseys!

 

[RezClone]

That's my Defensive Coordinator !