The 2023 season got off to a bit of an awkward for Kirk Ferentz at Iowa, with former AD Gary Barta's controversial contract objectives for offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz hanging over the program like a dark cloud each week as they attempted to put up at least 25 points per game and get to seven wins for Brian to keep his job.
Then came yesterday, as new athletic director Beth Goetz announced the decision that this season would be Brian's last one with the program, as the offense continued to struggle. Goetz was the one to make the personnel decision due to policies in place regarding nepotism.
When Kirk was asked if he would continue to lead the program under leadership who just announced the decision to part ways with his son, and right hand man, he ultimately decided on a path where he declined to say if he'd be back for the 2024 season.
If we're being honest, who could blame him under those circumstances?
Today, the Hawkeyes longtime leader released a statement on social media to clarify his intent is to remain leading the Hawkeyes program.
— Hawkeye Football (@HawkeyeFootball) November 2, 2023
Kirk expanded on that sentiment during his appearance on Hawk Talk.
“I was not trying to intentionally cause celebration for some people who would love to see me go start a stamp collection or go bird watching or whatever."
"The intent was to try to steer this thing back to what is important right now. I enjoy coaching. Fortunately, I feel really good. The doctors tell me I’m OK; I hope they’re right. I hope to keep doing this for quite a while. I’ve always loved being here. I’ve been here 34 years now, I like what I do, and most of all I like the young people we’ve had a chance to work with. It was that way in 1981.”
“I like our players, I like coming into our building, I like what I do. In a sick way, I like the highs and I like the lows. Everybody likes the highs, but the lows are tough on you. But that’s what makes the highs good, too, and that’s what I think you’re chasing. When you quit playing, your whole life you’re chasing that, and that’s why people are dumb enough to get into coaching or whatever it may be. Hopefully you’re helping some younger people along the way, too.”
“So, until they tell me to sit down, I’ll probably keep going.”
Asked if that mean's he'll be coming back to lead the Hawkeyes in 2024, he responded with, “Hopefully a couple years, yeah.”
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