Iowa State University’s defensive coordinator, Jon Heacock, announced his retirement on March 12, 2024, concluding a distinguished coaching career that spanned over four decades. Heacock, who has been a prominent figure in college football, is particularly known for implementing the innovative 3-3-5 defensive scheme with the Cyclones.
Heacock joined Iowa State in 2015 as part of Matt Campbell‘s coaching staff and has served as the defensive coordinator for the past ten seasons. His contributions were recognized when he became a finalist for the prestigious Broyles Award in 2017, which honors the top assistant coaches in college football. Heacock earned nominations for the award in subsequent years, from 2022 to 2025, underscoring his sustained excellence in the role.
During his tenure at Iowa State, Heacock’s defensive strategies helped elevate the program’s performance. The Cyclones achieved significant successes, including multiple bowl game appearances. Following Campbell’s departure to lead Penn State, Heacock’s retirement marks a significant transition for the team.
Prior to his time at Iowa State, Heacock spent two seasons at the University of Toledo, also under Campbell’s guidance. His coaching journey began in 1983 at Toledo as a graduate assistant. He later worked alongside the legendary Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan and served as the defensive coordinator under Jim Tressel at Youngstown State.
Heacock was the head coach at Youngstown State from 2001 to 2009, where he achieved a record of 60-44. He led the team to the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) semifinals in 2006 and was honored as conference coach of the year on two occasions.
At 65 years old, Heacock leaves behind a legacy of mentorship and strategic innovation in college football. His impact on players and the sport itself has been profound, and his retirement signals the end of an era for the Iowa State program. As the university prepares for its next chapter, the contributions of Heacock will undoubtedly be remembered by fans and players alike.