Here's my take re: bolded and why it isn't on Lester...
1) The offense under Lester has been the same one we saw under KOK, Davis, and BF. KOK was blessed with Richard Joseph Stanzi and had the benefit of insane defenses cram-packed with NFL'ers. If we had seen a different scheme that had even a smidgen of risk-taking involved since Lester came on board I'd be inclined to wonder if it was him shitting the bed. Kirk even said in the early press conferences not to expect any radical changes. He's focused on not fumbling, no interceptions, and short yardage plays hoping for first downs and NBD if he doesn't get 'em. He knows we have punters who can put the ball on the 5 so he plays to eliminate turnovers first, score points second. In 2025 you don't win that way. You have to score points first and minimize turnovers while doing that. I've said it before and will say it again, what's the difference between an INT deep and a punt? Nothing. At least with an INT you have more clock left to work with. I'd bet money that the average return yardage on an INT over 20-30 yds deep is comparable to average net punt yardage. Certainly not enough to make a measurable difference to total yards.
2) Lester is operating with WAY less talent at QB and WR than either of the three previous 3 OCs. Like not even in the same galaxy. Part of that is money, and part of it is how in god's name do you even begin to recruit WRs and QBs to Iowa after BF's stint?
OL, same thing. Think of some of the O-lineman the previous 3 had operating for them...
Gallery
Reiff
Bulaga
Scherff
Wirfs
Yanda
Vandervelde
Blythe
Boettger
Daniels
Linderbaum
Who has Lester had to work with? **crickets**
3) The offense he's running at Iowa looks nothing like the one he ran at Western Michigan or even Green Bay, which although it was an NFL gig, there's nothing like either one being done here. Again, KF holds the gavel and he's made that clear. Because of that the buck stops with him.
Not Lester's fault. He should be given a shot at HC if nothing else as an apology from KF.