Fran McCaffery will always be a coach second and a father first. It’s why the latest news surrounding his son, Patrick, has rocked Iowa’s basketball program.

Patrick McCaffery announced earlier this week that he would be taking a leave of absence from the program to focus on his mental health involving severe anxiety. In a penned message to the Hakweyes’ fans, Patrick McCaffery said that absence will be “indefinite” and that he’ll return “when I feel like myself.”

Fran McCaffery told reporters Wednesday that his son was transparent with him on the situation, and hopes this “sheds a light” on something more prevalent than people realize in today’s world.

Fran McCaffery added that multiple people have reached out since the announcement showing support. Countless others have expressed their own dilemmas dealing with anxiety and only realized it due to Patrick’s courage to step forward and express his concerns.

Prior to his departure, Patrick McCaffery was averaging roughly 12.8 points and 4.8 rebounds per game. He appeared in 14 games, averaging roughly 26 minutes per game.

The Hawkeyes will play host to No. 15 Indiana at 7 p.m. E.T. on Thursday at Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The game will be nationally televised on FS1.