Looks like the last of the McCafferys and Iowa tales are finally here. With Fran having taken the basketball reins for the Hawkeyes 15 years ago, it had pretty much become the hub for the family. Both Connor and Patrick played for their father, Marit was a student, and while Jonathan would have joined, he did not receive an offer. But one year was all it took to watch that crumble. Now, after a few moves, the last of them is putting a lid on it, and with a seeming jab at the city. The eldest of the siblings, and Caitlin Clark’s boyfriend, Connor, just couldn’t resist giving that a nod.

Fran and Margaret’s only daughter is graduating from the University of Iowa. She shared a post in celebration, surrounded by friends, and a champagne bottle popped. But it was the caption that caught many eyes. “The past 15 years in Iowa City couldn’t have ended worse so, thanks Iowa!” Marit McCaffery wrote.

Connor wasn’t letting that just slip away. “OG comment,” he nodded. Yes, it was original and right from the heart. Though Marit didn’t add her family picture in the post, the ‘so, thanks Iowa’ jibe said it all.

The furore began in Iowa City when Fran McCaffery was removed from Iowa’s head coaching position on March 14. The game against Illinois was his final one with the team, where Caitlin and Connor were present to show their support. The end was not what any coach wanted. A loss along with ejection midway through the game.

After a strong start to the season, 13 losses in his last 17 games turned things around. Though Fran was positive on his return next season as Iowa’s Coach, the program decided to put an end to the long relationship.

Fran leaves as the program’s all-time wins leader (297) and longest tenure coach. But the side never once reached the Sweet 16 under his watch. Though his departure was confirmed after their worst season in 7 years, leaving the team after all that time, was a sting. Connor McCaffery posted three clown-face emojis on social media, laughing at the decision made by Iowa.

A week later, the Quakers handed the 65-year-old coach a fresh start. Joining his alma mater, Fran will be looking to uplift the struggling Penn side. On his appointment, Connor was once again on social media, to let the world know – family first. In his post, Connor wrote, “To my dad- playing for you has been my dream since day 1. It exceeded expectations in every way possible,” showing his support. His better half, Caitlin, was also on the same boat, waving the McCaffery flag.

But her reaction was more silent, as Caitlin Clark just hit the like button on the announcement, backing the McCafferys as their next chapter began. Aligning well with her teammates is what she has done so far, and she is keeping up with her McCaffery team too…

Caitlin Clark balancing support between Connor McCaffery’s family and Iowa

The McCaffreys and Iowa may not be on the happiest note, but that isn’t stopping Caitlin from cheering on both sides. In Februrary, she was at an Iowa game, cheering on the Hawkeyes as they dominated the first round of Big Ten Tournament. Minutes later, she was nowhere to be seen. Because the Fever star had made her way to Hinkle Fieldhouse to cheer on Connor and his brother Patrick on Senior Night.

It was not just her one-time appearance at the Butlers’ game. She was there for Connor’s debut game and also hyping them up in the regular season during her off period. Butler became her third team, without even touching basketball for the side, adding to the Fever and Iowa.

But she topped it with another sweet gesture, highlighting how much Connor means to her. On Thanksgiving Day, Clark took her parents, Brent and Anne, with her brothers, Blake and Colin, more like a collective show of support from CC’s family.

And then there is the recent ‘anniversary’ post.

Even though the McCafferys are looking beyond Iowa days, the city will always be a huge part of their story. Connor and CC, the Iowa legend, a Des Moines native, met there. Fran rose to prominence. And it remained a home for 15 years.