Iowa’s offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz will leave at the end of the season, interim athletic director Beth Goetz said on Monday.
Ferentz is in his eighth season as offensive coordinator. He is the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz. His squad has been producing less over the past three years while never being very prolific.
With a scoring average of 19.5 points per game, the Hawkeyes rank 120th in the Football Bowl Subdivision and rank last overall this season with 232.2 yards per game. Since the 2022 season began, Iowa’s averages are 244.2 yards and 18.4 points per game.
Iowa’s average since 2021 is 268 yards per game, the lowest in the FBS, and 20.4 points per game, good for 123rd place.
Goetz released a statement saying, “Anyone who loves Iowa football recognises both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our programme this season.” “This is a unique situation because of our offensive struggles and the offensive coordinator’s contract.”
In February, former athletic director Gary Barta reworked Brian Ferentz’s contract, reducing his pay and mandating that the Hawkeyes score 25 points per game on average during a 13-game season to guarantee his return in 2024.
Iowa would need to average 33.8 points over its last five games to meet the mandate of scoring 25 points per game, since the team’s “Drive for 325” remains at 156 points after eight games.
Goetz stated that she spoke with Kirk, Brian Ferentz, and Barbara J. Wilson, the school president, before deciding to fire Brian Ferentz at the end of the season.
Goetz stated, “I told Brian that this is his last season with the programme, but we intend for him to stay with us through the bowl game.” “It is best for the show and its devoted viewers to make this known now; it offers clarity at this crucial juncture in the schedule.”
Because of state regulations against nepotism, Goetz is Brian Ferentz’s immediate supervisor rather than Kirk Ferentz.
She remarked, “It is not my practise to be involved in decisions regarding assistant coaching, and certainly not to make such a change public during a season.” “Putting all of our student-athletes in the best possible position for success—both short- and long-term—both on and off the pitch is our top priority.”
Overall, the Hawkeyes are 6-2 and,
Ferentz took over as offensive coordinator in 2017, and the Hawk
eyes have averaged 25.3 points and 320.2 yards per game since then. During that time, the Bowl Subdivision’s total yards average is ranked 131st, while its scoring average is ranked 100th.
In a statement to ESPN, Brian Ferentz stated, “I have had the opportunity to serve the University of Iowa as a football player and coach for the overwhelming duration of my adult life. It has always been an honour for me, and it always will be. My only objective has been to help the football team succeed at that period. My stated aim will remain unchanged as long as I work for the University of Iowa. My top focus will always be the welfare of
“Everyone who follows Iowa football understands the difficulties and achievements that have raised awareness of our programme this year. This is a unique scenario because of our offensive woes and the offensive coordinator’s contract.
“After speaking with President Wilson, head coach Kirk Ferentz, and coach Brian Ferentz, I told Brian that, although we want him to stay with us through the bowl game, this is his final year with the programme. It is in the best interests of the show and its devoted viewers to make this public now; it offers clarity at this crucial juncture in the schedule.
“I don’t usually get involved in choices about assistant coaching, and I definitely don’t want to announce changes like this in the middle of a season. Ensuring the short- and long-term success of all our student-athletes, both on and off the pitch, is our top goal. With a record of 6-2, our football squad is full of gifted athletes and exceptional young men who have a lot riding on them. I know how special it is to wear the jersey since I was an athlete once.
Let’s keep encouraging our coaches, staff, and student-athletes as we Hawkeyes strive for a Big Ten Championship and a bowl game triumph.”
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