Brian Ferentz will not return as Iowa's offensive coordinator in 2024, the program announced Monday. The news was first reported Monday morning by Hawkeye Report.
The son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz has been on his father's staff since 2012, and his offensive coordinator since 2017.
Iowa's announcement indicated the decision was made by interim AD Beth Goetz. "After conversations with head coach Kirk Ferentz, coach Brian Ferentz and President 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," Goetz said. "Making this decision known today is in the best interest of the program and its loyal fans; it provides clarity during this pivotal time in the schedule."
"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." (2/2)
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) October 30, 2023
Iowa has annually underperformed on the offensive side of the ball, and as a result the Iowa administration created a unique power structure where then-AD Gary Barta was Brian Ferentz's direct report, not the head football coach.
Following a 2022 season in which Iowa ranked 129th in yards per play and 123rd in scoring, Iowa brought back Ferentz with a much-ridiculed contract structure that could see the school get out of its contract if the Hawkeyes failed to score 25 points per game.
This season, Iowa is dead last nationally at 4.12 yards per play. The Hawkeyes are 120th in the country at 19.5 points per game, meaning Iowa would have to average 33.8 points over their final five games to reach the magic number of 25.
Even despite the nation's worst offense, Iowa has continued to win.
The Hawkeyes are 49-20 since 2019, and 6-2 this season. Iowa is in a 4-way tie for first place to win the final Big Ten West championship, and could very well wind up in Indianapolis to face Michigan, Ohio State or Penn State if they manage to defeat Northwestern, Rutgers, Illinois and Nebraska, and Minnesota loses one more game. Iowa's defense is tied for fourth in yards per play and sixth in scoring. Wisconsin, whom Iowa has already defeated, leads the division with the nation's 88th-ranked scoring offense; though Iowa is in last, every other B1G West teams is 105th or lower.
Which makes one wonder: if Kirk Ferentz has finally recognized that his son is not the right offensive coordinator for Iowa tomorrow, why is he still employed today?
As always, stay tuned to The Scoop for the latest.