Brian Ferentz Iowa offensive coordinator end season interim AD says

Iowa's offensive coordinator, Brian Ferentz, will be replaced at the end of the season due to poor performance. #IowaFootball #OffensiveCoordinator

Brian Ferentz, who has served as Iowa's offensive coordinator for seven seasons, will be stepping down from his position at the end of the current season. This announcement was made by interim athletic director Beth Goetz on Monday. Ferentz, the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, has seen a decline in his unit's production over the past three years.

This season, the Hawkeyes have struggled offensively, ranking last in the Football Bowl Subdivision with an average of 232.2 yards per game. Their scoring average of 19.5 points per game also ranks 120th. Since the start of the 2022 season, Iowa has averaged 244.2 yards and 18.4 points per game.

Looking back to 2021, Iowa's offensive struggles become even more apparent. They have averaged just 268 yards per game, the worst in the FBS, and 20.4 points per game, which ranks 123rd.

Goetz acknowledged the challenges that the team has faced this season in her statement, saying, "Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season." She also mentioned that the decision to remove Brian Ferentz after the season was made after discussions with both Kirk and Brian Ferentz, as well as school president Barbara J. Wilson.

It is worth noting that Brian Ferentz's contract was restructured by former athletic director Gary Barta in February. His salary was reduced, and the Hawkeyes were required to average 25 points per game over a 13-game season in order for Ferentz to return in 2024. However, the team has fallen short of this goal, with only 156 points scored through eight games.

Goetz clarified that Brian Ferentz will remain with the team through the bowl game but will not be returning for another season. She explained that making this decision public now is in the best interest of the program and its fans, providing clarity during this crucial time in the schedule.

Due to state nepotism laws, Goetz, rather than Kirk Ferentz, is Brian Ferentz's immediate supervisor. She emphasized that her priority is to ensure the success of all student-athletes, both on and off the field.

Despite the offensive struggles, the Hawkeyes currently have a 6-2 overall record and are tied for first place in the West Division of the Big Ten. Since Brian Ferentz took over as offensive coordinator in 2017, the team has averaged 320.2 yards and 25.3 points per game. However, these numbers rank 131st and 100th, respectively, in the Bowl Subdivision.

In a statement to ESPN, Brian Ferentz expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the University of Iowa and his commitment to the team's success. He stated, "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."

Overall, this decision to part ways with Brian Ferentz as offensive coordinator marks a significant change for the Iowa football program. The team will now look to find a new offensive coordinator who can help improve their offensive production and bring them back to their previous levels of success.