It’s been a trying week for Iowa Hawkeyes head football coach Kirk Ferentz.
On Monday, Iowa Athletic Director Beth Goetz announced that Ferentz’s son, Brian, would not be retained as Iowa’s offensive coordinator next season, ending a six-year stint marred with offensive struggles. Brian Ferentz will be allowed to coach the rest of the season.
Tuesday, Kirk Ferentz seemed displeased with the news, and it led some to believe that college football’s longest-tenured coach may retire following the season.
Ferentz put those rumors to bed Wednesday, releasing a statement that said, “While my immediate focus is on finishing the season strong, I love coaching and my intent is to continue coaching here at the University of Iowa. We have built something very special here and I plan to coach until I am no longer passionate about the game, players or coaches.”
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 2, 2023
Ferentz has been the most successful coach in Iowa history, guiding the program to seven 10+ win seasons, with the 2012 season ending with 12 wins and a Rose Bowl appearance for the Hawkeyes, their first since 1991. He passed Hayden Fry in 2019 to become the winningest coach in Iowa history.
Ferentz’s statement led to plenty of reactions on social media.
Multiple fans were pleased with the news but wanted Ferentz to hire an offensive coordinator who could have more control of the offense.
Well Kirk you need to let the next oc have control or this isn’t gonna work
— BHam (Bears) Barade (@BearsBarade) November 2, 2023
Please please hire a real experienced play caller that knows how to gain yards and cool stuff like that
— Brett (@schneiderbrett9) November 2, 2023
I love this IF Kirk actually gives the next OC 100 percent control of the play-calling.
That’s the only way this works. https://t.co/h3oBunSDaY
— Chris Douglas (@ChrisDouglas515) November 2, 2023
One fan noted that Ferentz’s statement leaves plenty of wiggle room for when he could choose to retire.
"I plan to coach until I am no longer passionate about the game, players or coaches" isn't exactly saying much, that could be tomorrow for all we know, but I appreciate that he did this. The rumors were only going to grow. https://t.co/kO2dVzmnts
— Matt Burnell (@mdburnell) November 2, 2023
