Iowa officially has a new tight ends coach.

On Wednesday, the football program announced the hiring of Abdul Hodge, a former star linebacker for the Hawkeyes. He spent the last three seasons coaching linebackers at South Dakota, as well as serving as the NFL liaison.

Hodge’s hiring comes as quarterbacks coach Ken O’Keefe leaves the program. With Hodge coaching tight ends, Brian Ferentz will now coach the QB room, as well as continue to be the offensive coordinator.

“I have a tremendous amount of respect for Abdul,” said Kirk Ferentz. “We first got to know him when recruiting him in 1999 and 2000. He was a terrific player for us, but more than his accomplishments on the field, he was an outstanding leader for our football team.

“Abdul exemplifies all that is good in college football. The competitive drive he used to become an All-Big Ten player continues to fuel him to this day. I am confident he will do an outstanding job in this position.”

Hodge was a three-time All-B1G linebacker while playing at Iowa from 2002-05. He ranks third in program history in tackles, piling up 453 stops during his time with the Hawkeyes.

“When I decided to get into coaching after my NFL career, the first person I called was Coach Ferentz,” Hodge said. “Coach Ferentz has always been a great leader, and I am excited to be able to continue my coaching career where I had so many great memories as a player and student.”

Iowa is coming off a 10-4 season in 2021, winning the B1G West title.