“It’s like our family is breaking up”: CFB fans get emotional as Iowa State DC Jon Heacock retires after 43 years

Iowa State defensive coordinator Jon Heacock has announced his retirement after more than 40 years of coaching. The 65-year-old has been the Cyclones’ defensive coordinator for the past 10 years, building a reputation as one of the nation’s most notable defensive minds.

The coach put out an emotional statement on social media on Tuesday confirming his decision to “hang up his whistle.” Football fans have taken to the same medium to share equally touching reactions to Heacock’s retirement.

Lvv wrote:

“Oh Lord.. It’s like our family is breaking up. ISU will not be the same without you, coach. Thanks for sooo much and the great memories over the past ten years!”

Alex Gookin also wrote:

“You’ll never buy a drink in Ames for as long as you live. Thank you for everything, Coach.”

Scott Winslow commented:

“He always said that Iowa State would be his last stop. Thank you, Coach, for being a man of his word.”

Jason Swanson also commented:

“Thanks for a great 10 years, Coach! Your D was responsible for a lot of great wins/moments at Iowa State. Baker Mayfield still can’t figure out what coverage he is looking at…”

Jahan Pahlavan remarked:

“Was there anyone better at making halftime adjustments? Goes out a Cyclone Legend!”

Jake Heil added:

“One of the best to ever do it. Thanks for the memories, and enjoy retirement, Coach!”

Jon Heacock’s Iowa State career recapped

Jon Heacock was a finalist for the Broyles Award in 2017, also earning nominations from 2022 through 2025. Under his direction as defensive coordinator, the Cyclones recorded 72 wins, more than any coordinator in the program’s history.

His players also earned 80 All-Big 12 recognitions, 28 of which are first- or second-team honors. In the statement he posted on social media, the coach sent a heartfelt gratitude to Iowa State. He wrote:

“I’m so thankful, grateful, and blessed to have worked alongside some of the finest players, support staff members, and coaches in America. Ames, Iowa State, the team, and Cyclone Nation—we all did some special stuff together.”

Part of Jon Heacock’s achievements at Iowa State is sending eight defensive players to the NFL. These include Will McDonald IV, who was the program’s second first-round pick.

The coach introduced the 3-3-5 defensive scheme in 2017, influencing defensive strategies conference-wide and nationally. The Cyclones’ defense finished among the Big 12’s top three in scoring defense seven times and in total defense six times under his leadership.

Edited by Kayode Akinwumi