The Iowa Hawkeyes announced a major amendment to offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and his contract. What the CFB world wasn’t expecting was what that brand-new stipulation in it is.
Scott Dochterman, the Iowa writer for The Athletic, reported the details on Twitter. Dochterman wrote, “Iowa announces amendments to Brian Ferentz’s employment: Salary of $850,000, effective Feb. 1, 2023 (down $50k from 2022). Designated Performance Objectives for the 2023 season include an average of at least 25 points per game and a minimum of 7 wins.”
Iowa announces amendments to Brian Ferentz's employment:
Salary of $850,000, effective Feb. 1, 2023 (down $50k from 2022)
Designated Performance Objectives for the 2023 season include an average of at least 25 points per game and a minimum of 7 wins— Scott Dochterman (@ScottDochterman) February 6, 2023
At first glance, you read that tweet, and you might ask yourself, “Seriously?” Iowa and their offense haven’t really blazed the trail. The trademark for the Hawkeyes has been defense for quite some time. Iowa averaged 18.6 points per game last season. That’s 0.1 less than juggernaut UConn.
To not only expect more than that… but to also stipulate it in the contract? Bonkers! 85 of the 131 FBS schools last season scored at least 25 points per game last year. But that would be a touchdown worth’s jump for the Hawkeyes if they were to pull that off. We know they now have Cade McNamara, but it’s still an incredibly lofty, aspirational goal. Especially when it’s stipulated in the contract.
The 7-win benchmark for Ferentz, at least, shouldn’t be too lofty. Iowa has won at least seven games in each of the last 10 full seasons. In 2020, they won six games, but that season was shortened of course.
The CFB world reacted to the crazy contract stipulation.
In operant conditioning, to shape a behavior you want, you begin to provide reinforcement only when you get an “average or better result.”
Iowa is going to train Brian Ferentz to offense with a clicker and a bag of cash. https://t.co/8bPojSc6GG
— 🇸🇲 Sickos Committee 🇸🇲 (@SickosCommittee) February 6, 2023
Brian Ferentz meeting with Kirk after the salary reduction in his contract for next season. pic.twitter.com/9pCAlPc5vt
— Ben Stevens (@BenScottStevens) February 6, 2023
TRIGGER WARNING: Iowa fans with a Brian Ferentz sensitivity should not click on this image. pic.twitter.com/Ycg15Ym8F3
— Tom Fornelli (@TomFornelli) February 6, 2023
the drama of Iowa pulling into this game averaging 24.4 points a game with a Brian Ferentz bonus on the line
THE DRAMA I TELL YOU pic.twitter.com/pq1JK5ZNLl
— ¡BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL! (@edsbs) February 6, 2023
Regarding the amendment to OC Brian Ferentz's contract:
An Iowa spokesperson tells @sinow the points per game benchmark includes "any points scored"
Iowa scored six defensive touchdowns and two safeties last season, finishing 123rd in scoring offense with 17.7 ppg. pic.twitter.com/w92MRwK3Pl
— Richard🇬🇾Johnson (human) (@RJ_cfb) February 6, 2023
Iowa will give Brian Ferentz a bonus for scoring 25 points per game. In 2022 that would've ranked 85th nationally, tied with Arkansas State https://t.co/2hvbLJt8G6
— Rodger Sherman (@rodger) February 6, 2023
About Chris Novak
Chris Novak has been talking and writing about sports ever since he can remember. Previously, Novak wrote for and managed sites in the SB Nation network for nearly a decade from 2013-2022