Norm Parker

[Omaha Cy]

Norms is a great coach. Has he been coaching from the press box in years past? if so hopefully he can continue on if thats what he chooses to do.

 

[NobodyBeatsCy]

Nothing but good thoughts for Norm!

 

[heitclone]

Hope he's able to get back coaching as soon as he wants to, definately one of the most underrated coaches in the country. I wish him and his family the best.

 

[Cy's Taxi]

As somebody with a mother who suffers from diabetes, I can tell you this is one of the biggest fears for the family. My thoughts go out to him.

 

[RustyClone]

I just had a player on my team have his leg amputated below the knee. Very surreal thing to go through. He went through this during homecoming week. One of our homecoming days ways "superhero" day. We had all the freshman players and us coaches wore the kids number with his name on our shirts as our superhero. Not something a kid should go through. Or in this situation, anyone should go through. Thoughts go out to Parker.

Do you coach in Kansas?

 

[UNIGuy4Cy]

I feel for the man. My dad died two years ago from Diabetes, he was only 58. My dad also had his foot amputated and didnt have toes on his other foot, very similar to Norm's situation. Just a horrible disease.

 

[StPaulCyclone]

According to HawkeyeNation, Norm Parker has had his foot amputated. Must be tough to go through.

That is too bad. I wish him well in his recovery.

 

[JD720]

It sounds like he is hopeing to come back long term:

Parker's surgery increases possibility of long-term return - IOWA OFFICIAL ATHLETIC SITE

 

[CTTB78]

You would think his doctors would tell him to get off of the road and make his health #1.

 

[iowajazz]

On top of being one of the best D coordinators in the country he seems like a genuinely good guy. Hopefully he's able to make a full recovery.

 

[AmesHawk]

SAd to hear. coaching is a tough profession to stay healthy. Travel and recruiting trips leads to hotel and eating on the run. Hardly a healthy life style.

Norm has no recruiting responsibilities, and has not had any for quite some time. That is why he is paid much less than KOK, despite being one of the best in the business.

I really hope he can come back soon if he chooses. It is amazing the respect and love former players have for the guy. I also have had the privilege to meet the man a couple times and he is truly a great guy.

 

[edr247]

You would think his doctors would tell him to get off of the road and make his health #1.

i hope he doesn't continue coaching

1. His health is more important and he is at a stage in his life where he can walk away
2. He is a great coach an dI would prefere him not on the sidelines. Not due to health reasons. I just wish he would retire and enjoy life

While I agree and wouldn't be the slightest bit upset if Norm decided to retire out of concern for his health (nor would any real Hawk fan), I don't think he'll retire. Now, granted this was before the current health issue, but here's a quote from earlier this summer...

“I don’t have any intention of retiring,â€￾ Parker said. “I heard that was a rumor, but there’s no truth to that. Probably the only two ways I’ll leave is they’ll carry me out or Kirk will fire me.â€￾

From what I can tell, this is something he loves to do. So if he can do it without harming himself or the team, I think he should be able to make that call. But if it starts to wear on him again, the other coaches will step in and say "Thanks for all that you've done, Norm, but we'll take it from here."

I'd rather see Parker not coach anymore and be able to cheer for the Hawks on the sidelines for a long time, than have him coach for a few more years before succumbing to his illness.

 

[ISUFan22]

Say what you will about Iowa, but Norm is one of the best in the biz and he genuinely loves to coach kids. It's a shame he's going to "go out this way" near/at the end of his career.

 

[edr247]

On a lighter note, we're probably going to have to update this shirt design...

 

[RandomFan]

Norm is on my short list of favorite Hawks ever. I wish nothing but the best for him.

 

[wesley_w]

I hope Coach Parker gets back full time next year. Get well coach!!

 

[helechopper]

Norm is the man. What a tough thing to go through.

All the best to him on his recovery.

 

[CycloneErik]

Praying for him and his family.

 

[Cylax51]

I hope that Mr. Parker makes a speedy recovery, and then decides to do what is best for him. If he returns to coaching, fantastic. If he decides to hang it up, more power to him. Either way, no one will doubt his place in the history books as one of the best.

 

[Al_4_State]

You'd have to think this will end his career, but good luck to Norm!

He deserves a statue erected in his honor in Iowa City. IMO, he's as big of, if not bigger, a reason for their success over the past 8 years than Ferentz. You really can't overvalue what Norm Parker has done for the Iowa program. I don't think there's anyone who does what he does better than him.