The long-time coach of the Hawkeyes is going to be the head coach of the Hawkeyes for a much longer time.
Iowa announced Tuesday a six-year contract extension for head football coach Kirk Ferentz that will keep him in his position through the 2025 season.
In his 18th season as the Hawkeyes' head coach, Ferentz previously was extended through the 2019 campaign. But in the wake of last season, the winningest one in program history that featured a perfect 12-0 regular season and a trip to the Rose Bowl, Ferentz earned himself another three quarters of a decade at the helm.
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“I am pleased and proud to continue as head coach of the University of Iowa football team through (2025). It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to lead the Iowa football program,” Ferentz said in the announcement. “I am extraordinarily proud of our program, our players and our supportive fans. I appreciate the trust and confidence demonstrated by athletics director Gary Barta and president Bruce Harreld — and I look forward to continuing our winning tradition. Iowa is home to me, my wife, Mary, and our five children. We moved a lot during the early years of coaching, but once we arrived in Iowa City — this quickly became our home. We appreciate and value what it is to be an Iowan and an Iowa Hawkeye.”
Ferentz took over the reins of the program ahead of the 1999 season and won just one game in his first campaign. But in 17 seasons (plus one game this year) he's posted a 128-87 record with two Big Ten titles, five double-digit-win seasons and trips to the Orange Bowl (twice) and the Rose Bowl. He ranks seventh on the all-time Big Ten wins list.
“I’ve said it many times, I would like Kirk to retire as a Hawkeye, and this contract is a strong statement toward that commitment,” Barta said in the announcement. “Kirk’s dedication to the football program and the University of Iowa has brought national attention and recognition to the Hawkeyes for nearly 20 years. Kirk is one of the top coaches in country. His commitment to winning, graduating student-athletes and doing things the right way is unmatched by any program or coach. There is strong momentum surrounding the Hawkeye football program. Whether it’s on the field, recruiting, academics, facilities or with his staff, we’re achieving at a high level today, and are well positioned for continued success for years to come.”
Big Ten
Ferentz will make $4.5 million a year under the new contract, vaulting him into the top eight highest-paid coaches in college football, according to the always-handy USA Today coaches salaries database.