Kirk Ferentz releases statement saying he plans to continue coaching at Iowa
By Pat Harty
IOWA CITY, Iowa – Kirk Ferentz is determined to keep coaching the Iowa football team, even without his son as the offensive coordinator.
As speculation swirled about Kirk Ferentz’s future in the wake of his son, Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz being fired effective at the end of 2023 season, the head hawk released a statement Wednesday night in which he said his intent is to continue coaching the Hawkeyes.
“While my immediate focus is on finishing the season strong, I love coaching and my intent is to continue coaching here at the University of Iowa,” Kirk Ferentz said. “We have built something very special here and I plan to coach until I am longer passionate about the game, players or coaches.”
Kirk Ferentz’s announcement comes the day after he voiced his displeasure and disappointment with the decision by Iowa Interim Athletic Director Beth Goetz to fire his son.
Kirk Ferentz was asked in Tuesday’s press conference, in light of what happened to his son, if he could say with certainty that he would return next season, but he didn’t answer the question.
Kirk Ferentz, who turned 68 in August, also expressed his desire to keep coaching the Hawkeyes Wednesday night on his weekly radio show.
“I enjoy coaching,” he said. “Fortunately, I feel really good. The doctors told me, I’m OK; I hope they’re, right. And I hope to keep doing this for quite a while. And I’ve always loved being here. I’ve been here 34 years now.”
Iowa is 6-2 overall heading into Saturday’s game against Northwestern at Wrigley Field in Chicago, and in the thick of the race to win the Big Ten West Division title for the second time in three years.
Kirk Ferentz is in his 25th season as the Iowa head coach and he is the longest tenured active head coach in college football.
His 118 Big Ten wins as the Iowa head coach ranks third all-time in Big Ten history.
But his offense has performed woefully since the start of the 2022 season, and it ultimately cost Brian Ferentz his job after seven seasons as his father’s offensive coordinator.
Kirk Ferentz said Tuesday when asked about hiring a new offensive coordinator that his main priority is finishing strong this season.