We’ve said it before, and we’ll say it again—when you think of Iowa Hawkeyes, you think of Caitlin Clark. She’s practically the face of Hawkeye Nation. But, you know, while she’s a massive part of the program’s legacy, the McCaffery family might just be the backbone of it. Connor McCaffery played six seasons at Iowa under his father, Fran McCaffery, who is the program’s all-time wins leader and longest-tenured coach. Patrick McCaffery, the younger son, wrapped up his time with the team last season, too. Basically, the Hawkeyes and the McCaffery(s) have been inseparable.

But only until recently. In a move that shocked many, the Hawkeyes fired Fran McCaffery on Friday after a rough 17-16 season, marking their lowest Big Ten finish in seven years. The 65-year-old coach, who had planned on returning next season, saw his tenure end brutally after being ejected in Iowa’s Big Ten tournament loss to Illinois. Despite being under contract until 2028, the school’s athletic director Beth Goetz decided it was time for a change, cutting ties with a coach who had given 15 seasons to the program.

And just like that, an era was over.  

For a family that has been the heart of Hawkeye basketball, this was a tough blow. And in moments like these, having support matters. So, CC is doing what any good partner would—being there for her beau. 

The couple, along with Patrick, was spotted at the Illinois vs. Maryland game (which ended with Terrapins taking it home), taking in some hoops from the stands. A little distraction, a little comfort, and a reminder that no matter what, basketball is still at the center of it all.

The couple met while playing basketball for Iowa and have been together since. Now, as Clark continues her journey as the W’s superstar, Connor is following in his father’s footsteps. After a stint with the Indiana Pacers as a basketball development coordinator, he joined Butler’s basketball team as an assistant coach in September 2024, keeping the McCaffery hoops legacy alive.

Although his first season has been quite rough as the Bulldogs wrapped their regular season with 14-19, Clark has been there for him through it all. 

Caitlin Clark always shows up for her boyfriend

The Indiana Fever star and Butler’s unofficial lucky charm, was back in action on Thursday, showing up for her guy. The Bulldogs took on St. John’s in the Big East quarterfinals at Madison Square Garden, and even though the result wasn’t what they wanted, Clark was right there, riding every moment with them.  

Keeping it (mostly) low-key, she rocked a Butler t-shirt, a baseball cap, and a black hoodie, blending in behind the Bulldogs’ bench. And according to The Post, there were definitely moments when she just couldn’t sit still, standing up and yelling in frustration as the game got intense. 

And not to forget, she was juggling between Iowa men’s and women’s games at the same time. Both were playing just 17 minutes apart. And we know this isn’t new. She’s been a regular at Butler games ever since Connor joined the staff as an assistant coach.

With McCaffery continuing his coaching journey at Butler, you can bet she’s not going anywhere. Meanwhile, it has been an eventful week for the McCaffery family in more ways than one. Days before Fran was released from his coaching duties, Patrick closed out his collegiate career. 

So yes, emotions are running high for the McCaffery family. One journey ending, another one just beginning. But amidst it all, if there’s one thing we know for sure, Caitlin Clark will be right there by their side through it all.