Kirk Ferentz has not confirmed his return as head coach of Iowa football in 2024.
The Hawkeyes coach did not address an essential question concerning his future.
Kirk Ferentz, the head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, spoke publicly for the first time Tuesday since it was reported earlier in the week that his son Brian Ferentz would not return as the Hawkeyes’ offensive coordinator in 2024. Iowa interim AD Beth Goetz made the decision not to retain Brian Ferentz, citing the Hawkeyes’ persistent offensive troubles as well as a unique contractual issue. Kirk Ferentz stated unequivocally during his weekly press conference on Tuesday that he did not agree with the timing of the decision.
“My policy has typically been to evaluate everything — players, coaches, all of that — postseason because in season we have a lot on our plates,” Kirk Ferentz told HawkeyeInsider. “That’s kind of been the nature of it, and it’s probably been that way since I started full-time in 1981.” There aren’t enough hours in the day. That is where we are concentrating our efforts. In terms of temporal relations, whatever you do is valuable. So it’s a better moment for me. It is a less emotional period. I could give you a slew of reasons why I did it that way, but it doesn’t really matter. It’s pretty insignificant right now since we’re dealing with something we have to deal with and will deal with.”
Brian Ferentz is in his 12th season as an assistant coach, including his seventh as offensive coordinator, under his father. While Brian Ferentz will remain on the Iowa staff for the rest of the 2023 season, his exit is imminent with only five games remaining, including a bowl game. Kirk Ferentz was asked on Tuesday if he would return to Iowa for his 26th season in 2024. His response was ambiguous.
“Things are as they always are, to worry about this game and bigger scale, bigger picture for these four games,” Ferentz said in a statement. “That has been my primary focus throughout the season.” There were obviously more than four games a week or two weeks ago. That’s what I’m thinking. It’s been quite consistent year after year, exactly like the other things I said.”
Kirk Ferentz, 68, became Iowa’s head coach in 1999. With the Hawkeyes, he has a 192-117 (.621) career record and has guided the team to two Big Ten titles (2002, 2004). By six years, he is the longest-tenured active head coach in the FBS, trailing only Mike Gundy (Oklahoma State) and Kyle Whittingham (Utah).
Iowa (6-2, 3-2) is tied for first place in the Big Ten West division with rivals Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin. Despite having one of the worst offences in the FBS for the third year in a row, the Hawkeyes were able to clinch bowl eligibility for the 11th consecutive season. With several offensive ailments, including starting quarterback Cade McNamara, Iowa is on pace to average less than 25 points per game – a critical statistic heading into the 2023 season.
Brian Ferentz’s contract was amended before of this season. He took a $50,000 pay cut, and Iowa’s administration demanded that the Hawkeyes score at least 25 points per game (including bowl games) – by whatever means, including defence and special teams — in 2023. If that happens, Ferentz will be back on his two-year rollover contract.
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