Report: Iowa retains long-time NFL executive Scott Pioli to help with revenue sharing

EDITOR’S NOTE: Some language in the original copy of this article has been changed to reflect Scott Pioli’s role as a consultant with the program. The original version noted that Pioli would have a role in the oversight of revenue sharing.

Iowa has retained long-time NFL executive Scott Pioli as a consultant as the new revenue sharing rules in the sport kick in. The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman reported the news on Monday afternoon, and an Iowa press release confirmed Pioli’s ongoing involvement as a consultant.

Pioli was initially hired as a pro personnel assistant by Bill Belichick with the Cleveland Browns in 1992. He was responsible for evaluating college prospects and free agents, as well as negotiating player contracts.

That is a role he’s had on and off over the years, working with the New York Jets, New England Patriots, Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons. More recently, Scott Pioli has been serving as a consultant at Iowa, where he has a close relationship with coach Kirk Ferentz.

As far as the setup of Iowa’s new revenue sharing apparatus, it will be a multi-faceted approach. According to Dochterman, the program will have a cap management structure that designates a GM for each program.

Overall, Marcus Wilson, an executive senior associate AD, will oversee cap management and administration. Meanwhile, Scott Brickman will be Iowa’s GM for NIL and strategy. He will review and approve all revenue sharing agreements.

On the whole, though, the retaining of folks like Scott Pioli shows some real intent from Iowa to compete on the national level in the new era of revenue sharing. Pioli has some serious executive chops. At the same time, Iowa is launching a handful of initiatives that will help guide the program into the revenue sharing era.

Iowa launches Flight Funds

In addition to retaining Scott Pioli, one thing Iowa has done to ready for the revenue sharing era is introduce “Flight Funds,” a way to essentially crowd source revenue for the entire operation. Flight Funds “allow donors to invest in student-athlete revenue sharing and help Iowa build championship-caliber programs,” according to a press release.

With the launch of flight funds, Iowa has created specific revenue buckets for the football, men’s and women’s basketball teams, and men’s wrestling. There is also a general support Flight Fund.

“We are eager to embrace this new era of opportunity for Iowa Athletics,” said Beth Goetz, the Henry B. and Patricia B. Tippie Director of Athletics Chair. “We are committed to participating at the maximum level in revenue-sharing with our student-athletes. Through initiatives like Flight Funds and expanded revenue opportunities, we strengthen financial stability while reinforcing our commitment to the success and well-being of our student-athletes.”

You can find more information on the Flight Funds program here. It’s clear Iowa is taking its transition to the revenue sharing era seriously.