Who Is LeVar Woods?
LeVar Woods is a former NFL linebacker and veteran college assistant coach best known for his long tenure as Iowa’s special teams coordinator. Since joining the Hawkeyes staff in 2008, he has worked in multiple roles and helped build consistently strong special teams units in the Big Ten.
His work at Iowa earned him a reputation for detail-oriented coaching and player development, particularly with kickers, punters, and coverage teams. That track record has now led to a prominent opportunity at Michigan State, where he will take on expanded responsibilities beyond special teams.
Woods’ Move to Michigan State
Woods is leaving Iowa to join Michigan State’s football staff under new head coach Pat Fitzgerald, taking on the role of associate head coach and special teams coordinator. This elevated title signals that he will have a major voice in program direction as well as in the design and execution of special teams schemes.
Michigan State has sought to stabilize and improve its special teams performance, an area that has swung close Big Ten games in recent seasons. By hiring Woods, the Spartans add a coach who has deep conference experience, NFL playing credentials, and a record of turning special teams into a consistent advantage.
Impact on Iowa and the Big Ten
Iowa now faces the challenge of replacing a longtime staffer who helped define its recent identity on special teams. The Hawkeyes must decide whether to promote from within or bring in an outside specialist, all while maintaining the high standards that have supported their defense-oriented, field-position style of play.
Within the Big Ten, Woods’ move keeps his expertise inside the conference and adds intrigue to future matchups between Iowa and Michigan State. His familiarity with Iowa’s personnel and tendencies could offer strategic insight for the Spartans, while Iowa will work to ensure that its special teams excellence continues under new leadership.