Kirk Ferentz is often referred to as the dean of college football. The longest-tenured FBS head coach in the country is set to enter his 28th season in charge at Iowa. And there are no signs he’s ready to slow down.
The Hawkeyes have won at least eight games in every season since 2015, excluding the COVID-shortened 2020 campaign. Through changes to the roster, coaching staff, and college football as a whole, one thing has remained consistent in Iowa City: Ferentz.
Advertisement
Ferentz’s ability to win every single year despite roster changes has earned him a lot of respect in a loaded Big Ten Conference. That’s evident in the latest Big Ten head coach rankings from On3 Sports.
On3’s Ari Wasserman ranked Ferentz as the fifth-best coach in the Big Ten, behind only Indiana’s Curt Cignetti, Ohio State’s Ryan Day, Oregon’s Dan Lanning and Michigan’s Kyle Whittingham.
Here’s what Wasserman wrote about Ferentz:
Ferentz is the longest-tenured coach in college football, now entering his 28th season. While Iowa doesn’t have a national title under his leadership, he has compiled a 210-126 record and is known for consistency. After taking over for Hayden Fry in 1981, Ferentz led the Hawkeyes to a winning season right out of the gate. Since then, Iowa has gone to a bowl game in 23 of the past 25 seasons. Iowa won the Big Ten in 2002 and 2004 and has Big Ten West titles in 2015, 2021, and, most recently, 2023. Iowa has won 10 or more games in four seasons since 2015. Last season, Iowa almost beat Indiana and won nine games, topping a very good Vanderbilt team in the bowl game. Consistency. – Ari Wasserman, On3
Ferentz is ranked ahead of other big-name coaches like USC’s Lincoln Riley, Washington’s Jedd Fisch, and Nebraska’s Matt Rhule. Even though those guys coach at schools with more resources than Iowa, they haven’t shown an ability to get the most out of their roster like Ferentz has. Season in and season out, Ferentz finds unique ways to get wins on the field and ensure his players are set up for success off it.
Advertisement
Ferentz is the conference leader in career wins for a reason. His consistency, attention to detail, and love for his players have led to a very fruitful coaching career. It’s one of the biggest reasons why every opponent on Iowa’s schedule is fearful of the Hawkeyes. On any given day, Iowa can beat the very best college football has to offer.
Ferentz will continue his climb up the wins record list this season, as Iowa looks to compete once again in the best conference in the country.
Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: On3 shares Big Ten football head coach rankings, Kirk Ferentz’s slot
Comments
Advertisement