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Spencer Petras pleased with Brian Ferentz taking over QB coaching duties at Iowa

Dustin Schutte

By Dustin Schutte

Published:

Kirk Ferentz didn’t take much time to make a decision on who would shift into the quarterback coach role when Ken O’Keefe stepped down following the 2021 season. Offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz filled that vacancy pretty quickly.

It was a move that caught plenty of flak from Iowa faithful considering the Hawkeyes’ struggles on the offensive side of the football during the 2021 season. But how do the players feel about it?

Returning starting quarterback Spencer Petras is a fan of the move.

“When Coach O’Keefe told us the move he wanted to make, my first thought was that I want Brian to take over,” Petras said, per David Eickholt of 247Sports. “So, I’m really happy.”

Petras said it’s important for the offensive coordinator and quarterback to be on the same page while running the offense. Moving Ferentz over to the QB coach — along with OC duties — should only help in that department.

Iowa is going to need to see significant progress out of its quarterback play this season. Last year, Petras threw for 1,880 yards with 10 touchdowns, 9 interceptions and a completion rate below 58%.

When the Hawkeyes made a switch and inserted Alex Padilla, it was a hit-or-miss situation. At times, Padilla looked to give the offense a nudge. In other instances, the offense still struggled to move the football.

Brian Ferentz’s move to quarterbacks coach is a move worth watching throughout spring practice, fall camp and into the season. For now, though, Petras appears to be on board with the swap.

Dustin Schutte

Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB