If you can’t beat them, join them.

That’s the principle that Iowa used to fill an important opening on its offensive staff. With Brian Ferentz shifting to the offensive coordinator position, the Hawkeyes needed a new offensive line coach.

According to multiple reports, Iowa hired North Dakota state offensive coordinator Tim Polasek for that position:

Polasek helped engineer a stunning upset of Iowa back in September. That day, the Bison out-gained Iowa 239-34 in rushing yards and 363-231 in total yards.

At NDSU, Polasek was the team’s offensive coordinator for the last three seasons. NDSU won FCS National Championships in his first two seasons on the job, led by future No. 2 overall draft pick Carson Wentz.

Polasek will take over an Iowa offensive line that won the Joe Moore Award as the top unit in the country. The Hawkeyes return all of their starters up front.

The addition of Polasek continued Iowa’s offensive staff overhaul.

Iowa offensive coordinator Greg Davis retired at season’s end. The Hawkeyes also fired two offensive assistants, and brought back former Iowa offensive coordinator Ken O’Keefe to coach the quarterbacks.