Brian Ferentz will not return to Iowa staff in 2024 as Hawkeyes offense sits behind mandated pace

Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz will not return in 2024, the college introduced Monday. Ferentz will stay on staff via Iowa’s bowl recreation. The choice comes contemporary off a bye week in the wake of the Hawkeyes struggling up a 12-10 loss towards Minnesota, this system’s first loss towards the Golden Gophers since 2015. 

“Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season,” Iowa period in-between athletic director Beth Goetz stated in a remark. “Our struggles on offense coupled with the offensive coordinator’s contract make this a unique situation. After conversations with head coach Kirk Ferentz, coach Brian Ferentz and President (Barbara) Wilson, I informed Brian that our intention is for him to be with us through the bowl game, but this is his last season with the program. Making this known today is in the best interest of the program and its loyal fans; it provides clarity during this pivotal time in the schedule.” 

Ferentz, the son of longtime Iowa trainer Kirk Ferentz, signed a freelance modification over the offseason that required the Hawkeyes to reasonable no less than 25 issues consistent with recreation as a staff and succeed in seven wins. If Iowa failed to succeed in the ones thresholds, Ferentz’s contract could be terminated. 

To this level in the season, Iowa is averaging simply 19.5 issues consistent with recreation and headed in the mistaken route. The Hawkeyes have simplest reached 25 issues in two particular person video games this season and none since Sept. 30. According to SportsLine projections, Ferentz’s offense is 13.53% behind the pace he wishes to succeed in the 325-point plateau. 

“For the vast majority of my adult life I have had the privilege to represent the University of Iowa as a football player and coach. I have always considered and will always consider it an honor,” Ferentz told ESPN. “In that time my singular goal has been to contribute to the football team’s success. As long as I am employed by the University of Iowa my stated goal will not change. My priority will continue to be the well being of our students and the success of our team.”

Ferentz has been beneath hearth over the past two seasons after his gadgets tanked. The Hawkeyes ranked second-to-last nationally in general offense in 2022. This yr, the unit has slipped to final position at a paltry 232.4 yards consistent with recreation. The mark ranks greater than 65 yards behind every other Power Five program. Iowa is averaging simply 15.0 issues consistent with recreation towards Big Ten West fighters, a mark that is simplest gotten worse as the Hawkeyes maintain the lack of beginning quarterback Cade McNamara as neatly as tight ends Erick All and Luke Lachey. 

While Ferentz’s contract could be terminated if the staff failed to rating 25 issues consistent with recreation, it did not preclude Iowa from bringing him again on a brand new contract. However, Iowa has it appears opted to make a last choice on Ferentz as a substitute of leaving his state of affairs up in the air. 

In order to skirt previous nepotism rules, Ferentz stories without delay to the athletic director quite than his head trainer father. Longtime athletic director Gary Barta retired from the college on July 31, 2023. Goetz — who has the general name on Ferentz’s long run — joined the athletic division in 2022 and does not have a longstanding dating with the Ferentz circle of relatives.