Decision to hire Jason Manson makes sense in so many ways
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – If I didn’t agree strongly with Iowa football’s decision to hire Jason Manson as Director of Player Development, this column would not have been written.
I would’ve remained silent and kept my feelings to myself.
But my first reaction upon seeing Iowa’s announcement about hiring Manson was to write this column because it makes so much sense under the unique circumstances.
Manson checks all the boxes as a former Iowa quarterback and receiver who has been involved in high school administration, coaching and mentoring since the end of his Hawkeye playing career.
Manson is ready for a bigger stage, and his alma mater needs his experience, his high character, and his Hawkeye roots to continue to evolve as a football program.
“I am happy to bring Jason Manson back to our program in this capacity,” Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz said in a release. “Jason was a valued team member and leader during his Iowa career. His perspective and experience since graduation will be a great benefit to our players in his new role.”
The Director of Player Development serves as a guide for student-athletes as they transition from high school to college, supporting their academic and football successes while creating a positive and memorable college experience. Former Hawkeye Sam Brincks has been the interim director for the role over last 10 months.
Manson’s nearly two decades of working at the high school level in different capacities, coupled with his Hawkeye background, should give him instant credibility.
The fact that he is black also should help as the Iowa football program tries to move forward after a tumultuous 2020 summer in which multiple former Iowa black players accused the program of racial disparities.
However, the decision to hire Manson was about much more than just his skin color. Some might even say that to mention his skin color is a disservice to Manson because it takes away from his other attributes, and gives the impression it’s the reason he was hired.
Let me be abundantly clear; race has absolutely nothing to do with Manson being qualified for the job. His credentials speak for themselves.
All I’m saying is that being black could help under the unique circumstances, and to dismiss that seems a little shortsighted.
Manson has dedicated his professional life to coaching and mentoring students, almost as if he were being trained for this new job.
He now will have a key role in helping the younger players adjust to college life, and from being away from home for the first time.
Manson never achieved anything close to stardom as a Hawkeye, playing mostly as a backup.
But he stayed the course at Iowa despite being far from his home in Bloomfield, Conn., and if he was disgruntled, he never showed it publicly.
Manson was often the first player to greet starting quarterback Drew Tate after a scoring drive, and was always friendly and respectful of the media.
Just a class act is how I remember Jason Manson as a Hawkeye.
A lot of players in his position as a backup quarterback attending college far from home would’ve transferred. But Manson stayed loyal to Iowa, and now Kirk Ferentz has expressed his gratitude by trusting Manson to excel in a job that plays a big role in shaping the Iowa culture and the day-to-day experience.
Manson will serve as a bridge between the players and coaches, and his background as a Hawkeye should be beneficial.
But mostly, this hire comes down to Jason Manson being the right fit at a delicate time.
He represents everything that is good about Hawkeye football, and the culture will benefit from his presence.