By Tyler Devine

IOWA CITY, Iowa – Despite an ongoing independent review of alleged racial misconduct by strength and conditioning coach Chris Doyle, Iowa athletic director Gary Barta decided to part ways with the longtime coach Monday.

An emotional Barta met with the media to explain the settlement reached with Doyle.

Barta said the settlement, which includes a payment of over $1 million to Doyle and health care for the next 15 months, was an important piece in trying to create positive change within the football program.

“I knew that the independent review is going to occur, but I also knew that we needed to think of things that made sense, that were thoughtful and sensible to move forward,” Barta said. “And that was one of the things that I felt – and we’re in strength and conditioning time right now, volunteer work – and I just decided that it made sense, it was sensible, and it was just a move forward.

“I decided, and again, Kirk and I were in full agreement on that being a step. And I started having conversations with Chris and I just decided that was a step.”

Doyle was a part of head coach Kirk Ferentz’s original coaching staff in 1999 and was the highest-paid strength and conditioning coach in the country.

Some have speculated that Ferentz, who is set to begin his 22nd season as head coach this fall, may not survive the situation as well.

But Ferentz received a vote of confidence from Barta during Monday’s press conference.

“I do remain confident that Kirk Ferentz can lead this team moving forward,” Barta said “And many of the attributes that we’re all familiar with over the last 20 years – the on-field success, the community service, the personal development of players, providing NFL opportunities and access, dedication, perserverance, the Wave, the kid captain program – all of those things are still there and they’re still all a part of the foundation and who Kirk is.

“Again, that doesn’t excuse what we’re focused on or what we’re talking about, but the foundation is still strong. So, we need to rebuild trust, we need to get better, and then we can return to all those positives upon which the foundation was built.”

Barta also was asked about offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, who has been the subject of some the allegations surrounding the program.

Brian Ferentz, who is the son of Kirk Ferentz, reports directly to Barta due to laws against nepotism in Iowa.

“I’m not going to speculate on anything that has been talked about over the last week and a half as it relates to personnel, independent, direct personnel and I’ll see what comes back there,” Barta said. “I’m not going to pre-determine what I might hear, but clearly if there are personnel issues I need to deal with coming out of that, or if there are decisions that we can bring to the task force, we’ll sort that out as the independent review is concluded.”

This is not the first time Barta or Doyle has been involved in controversy at Iowa.

Doyle came under fire in 2011 after 13 players were hospitalized with rhabdomyolysis, a stress-induced muscle disorder that can cause kidney issues.

Barta has been criticized by Iowa fans for his handling of the discrimination lawsuit involving former field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum, in which Iowa paid over $6 million in settlements.

Barta was asked Monday if he has taken past situations into account when making decisions regarding the current situation.

“Each situation that I deal with or that we deal with is unique,” Barta said. “I’m fine with the question, it’s a fair question, but I’m also very understanding that every situation is unique. So, I’m going to judge this situation on what comes forward in its unique sense.

“What is in common, and this sounds simple, but student-athletes an opportunity to have a great experience academically, athletically and socially is critical. And that’s the case whether it’s field hockey or football. I’m going to wait and see what comes back, I’m going to take that into account compared to other information that I have and we’ll make decisions based on that.”

Barta was also asked about the potential impact on recruiting.

I think about it this way as a parent, and I am a parent, but if I had a child coming here, my first inclination would be concern, and rightly so,” Barta said. “I haven’t spoken to Kirk and his staff exactly what they’ve done other than to know they’ve followed up with all the families. And so, my guess is a lot of them either are convinced or are going to wait and see.

“Certainly, any time your program goes through a negative situation and a challenging situation, it potentially can impact recruiting. That’s not number one on my list of concerns right now. More importantly, let’s start getting it handled, let’s start putting the plan in place to move forward, and then recruiting will take care of itself.”