Iowa assistant Johnson leaves program

IOWA CITY, Iowa (AP) - Iowa recruiting coordinator Eric Johnson is leaving the program after 15 seasons with the Hawkeyes.

Coach Kirk Ferentz announced Johnson’s sudden departure on Saturday, saying he left to pursue a career opportunity outside of football.

Johnson spent the past 10 years coordinating Iowa’s recruiting efforts.

Johnson, who has been with Ferentz since 1999, also worked with Iowa’s defensive line the past two seasons.

Johnson says his tenure in Iowa was a “great time” in his family’s life and added that Ferentz was the best teacher and leader he’s ever been around.