Lifelong passion: Kirk Ferentz plans to stay involved with football even when his time as head coach ends
Kirk Ferentz is the face of B1G football. Now entering his 21st season as the head coach at Iowa, it’s hard to imagine a time when he wasn’t leading the Hawkeyes on a Saturday afternoon.
And, honestly, when he decides to step away as head coach, it’s going to be a little weird seeing someone else at the helm in Iowa City. But even when that day comes, Ferentz plans to stay involved with football.
In an interview with the Des Moines Register recently, Ferentz was asked if he’d stay involved with football after his time as a head coach at Iowa came to and end. His plan is to stay in the sports — in some capacity — as long as possible.
“Absolutely. That’s been the most fun I ever had, being an assistant coach,” Ferentz said. “That’s just pure teaching. That’s the essence of teaching, and it’s more hands-on than what I get to experience.”
Ferentz has racked up a 152-101 record during his 20-year career with the Hawkeyes and has been a pillar of consistency for the program. He’s led the program to 16 bowl game appearances, two shared B1G titles and a West Division crown.
Last season, the Hawkeyes finished the year 9-4, which included wins over rivals Iowa State and Nebraska. It resulted in a trip to the Outback Bowl, defeating the SEC’s Mississippi State for Ferentz’s eighth career postseason victory.
Even when he steps down as a head coach, Ferentz would be an asset to any program. Considering his lengthy and lucrative contract, we won’t have to worry about the B1G’s dean of college football stepping down anytime soon.