New Iowa State football head coach Jimmy Rogers may wear a permanent scowl, but his players say the demeanor masks a deep commitment to the game and a surprisingly warm personality.

First impressions on the field

“His resting face kind of makes him look angry,” said one player, noting that Rogers’ expression often leads teammates to assume he’s upset. Yet another added, “He’ll crack some jokes with you, but he thinks about football a lot.”

Players share personal anecdotes

Sophomore linebacker Sullivan Schlimgen recalled the coach’s opening remarks: “The first meeting he had, he’s like, ‘Don’t worry, I’m not mad, this is just how I look all the time.’” Senior defensive end Isaac Terrell echoed the sentiment, explaining, “I feel like it scares a lot of people off because he looks angry, but he’s just concentrating. He’s always thinking about something in his head, but if you ever have a one‑on‑one conversation with him, he’s a very funny guy and super personable.”

Former teammates weigh in

Defensive tackle Max Baloun, who played under Rogers at South Dakota State and Washington State, also praised the coach’s focus and humor, noting that his intensity translates into disciplined play on the field.

What this means for Iowa State

Rogers’ blend of intensity and approachability appears to be resonating with his squad, suggesting a culture shift that could benefit the Cyclones as they aim to improve their standing in the Big 12. While the team’s performance on the scoreboard will ultimately determine success, early feedback from players points to a coach who balances high expectations with genuine camaraderie.

Original reporting: KCCI Des Moines — read the source article.