Amidst the changes in the University of Iowa's basketball program, Kyle Denning has been confirmed to stay on board as the director of basketball operations. This announcement was made on April 24 by new head coach Ben McCollum, who recently took over from Fran McCaffery. Denning’s role will focus on mentoring student-athletes and managing operational functions for the team. His extensive experience within the program, starting as a walk-on player under McCaffery and transitioning into various administrative roles, positions him as a key figure in maintaining continuity amidst significant staff and roster transitions.

The journey of Kyle Denning with the Iowa basketball program is nothing short of remarkable. Originally hailing from Cedar Falls, Iowa, Denning initially joined the team as a walk-on but eventually earned a scholarship for his senior year. Following his playing career, he continued to contribute to the Hawkeyes in multiple capacities, including serving as a graduate student manager and assistant director of basketball operations. Denning completed his undergraduate degree in leisure studies in May 2015 and obtained his master’s degree in sport and recreation management four years later. His recent position as director of operations/assistant coach involved overseeing business functions, managing team travel, supervising student managers, and liaising with compliance and academic services.

As one of the few remaining figures from the McCaffery era, Denning brings invaluable institutional knowledge to the revamped Iowa basketball program. The majority of Coach McCollum's support team transitioned with him from Drake University, marking a fresh start for the program. Assistant coach Luke Barnwell also joined the staff after leaving Texas Tech. In addition to staffing changes, the roster reflects a significant transformation, featuring five former Drake players, transfers Brendan Hausen from Kansas State and Álvaro Folgueiras from Robert Morris, and legacy player Cooper Koch, who chose to remain with the team.

With these sweeping changes, Kyle Denning stands out as a stabilizing force within the Iowa basketball program. His deep-rooted ties to the university and proven dedication to nurturing both the athletic and academic growth of student-athletes make him an indispensable asset to Coach McCollum's vision. As the program embarks on a new chapter, Denning's presence ensures that the values and traditions established during the McCaffery years are preserved while embracing the opportunities presented by the incoming talent and leadership.