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Kirk Ferentz signs 10-year extension with Iowa

By David Rouben

Sep 3, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during the first quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2016; Iowa City, IA, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz looks on during the first quarter against the Miami (Oh) Redhawks at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kirk Ferentz is in line for a big contract extension that will keep him at Iowa for life.

After Iowa became one of the biggest Cinderella stories in college football last year, the front office is doing everything they can to keep their coach. The 2016 season marked Kirk Ferentz’s 18th with the Hawkeyes, and according to their website, he will stay on board with them until 2025.

After signing the extension, athletic director Greg Barta was full of praise for their beloved coach:

"I’ve said it many times, I would like Kirk to retire as a Hawkeye, and this contract is a strong statement toward that commitment. Kirk’s dedication to the football program and the University of Iowa has brought national attention and recognition to the Hawkeyes for nearly 20 years.Kirk is one of the top coaches in country. His commitment to winning, graduating student-athletes, and doing things the right way is unmatched by any program or coach. There is strong momentum surrounding the Hawkeye football program.  Whether it’s on the field, recruiting, academics, facilities, or with his staff, we’re achieving at a high level today, and are well positioned for continued success for years to come."

Ferentz has experienced highs and lows as the Hawkeyes coach. But his all-time record with them stands at 128-87, and has won Big Ten Coach of the Year four times, including last year when he took Iowa to the Rose Bowl for the first time in 25 years.

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Iowa is hardly considered a perennial championship contender, but coming off a division win last year, Ferentz knows he has the chance to build something great. They got off to a winning start in 2016 with a 45-21 win over Miami (OH).

Ferentz is currently the longest-tenured coach in college football along with Bob Stoops. Both of them are highly regarded coaches, but unless Stoops signs a big extension of his own, Ferentz seems poised to outlast him. Ferentz is by far the most successful coach that Iowa has ever had, and at this point, Hawkeye nation couldn’t imagine having anyone else on the sidelines.

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