Iowa Hawkeyes OC Brian Ferentz - Jeffrey Becker / USA TODAY Sports
There is important Big Ten college football news coming from the Iowa Hawkeyes on Monday afternoon. It is being reported that the Hawkeyes will be moving on from their offensive coordinator, Brian Ferentz. Ferentz was named the offensive coordinator in 2016, following a long history with the team. The Hawkeyes continue to struggle on offense, and it is officially time for a change. Here is a look back at Ferentz’s time with the Hawkeyes, and where the season goes from here.
Brian Ferentz’s Time with the Iowa Hawkeyes
Before discussing Ferentz’s time with the Hawkeyes as a coach, going back further, he was an offensive lineman for Iowa. From 2012-2016, he was the team’s offensive line coach, also being the run game coordinator in 2015 and 2016. Following the 2016 season, the university named Ferentz the offensive coordinator, as well as the quarterbacks coach. Ferentz will also go down as coaching tight ends and fullbacks. Clearly, he has been a big part of this team for years, but there continues to be struggles on the offense, and the team does need to make a change.
In his time as the offensive coordinator, the Hawkeyes did accomplish a lot. in 2019, Iowa finished 15th in the AP Top 25 Poll. In 2020, they ranked 15th in the final CFB rankings and coaches poll. In 2021, the Hawkeyes won the Big Ten’s West Division Title. Despite their current record of 6-2, and currently first in the Big Ten West, Iowa’s offense has been struggling. Division titles are good, but there are higher goals to reach as a team.
The 2023 Hawkeyes’ Season
With just a couple of games left, it is already an eventful season for Iowa. Their two losses this year are against Penn State and Minnesota. The Hawkeye defense is as expected, but their offense has been struggling. With quarterback Cade McNamara out for the season, as well as being down to the team’s third tight end, things on the offense are falling apart.
When McNamara went down against Michigan State, many felt as though the season would be over. McNamara was a big reason there was hope this season for Hawkeyes fans. They still managed to win that game, as well as two more games, including their matchup against Wisconsin. Their defense has kept them in games, but the injuries are starting to win the battle.
There are four more games left in the regular season, and the Hawkeyes are bowl-eligible as well. This team does still have a chance to win the Big Ten West, but three teams are just one win behind them. Ferentz will remain with the team for the remainder of the season and now will push to end on a high note.
Moving on from Ferentz
Even with some of the good, this Iowa offense continues to be the downfall of this team. It tends to be their defense that pushes them to get wins. After years of struggling on the offensive side of the ball, it is time for a change. Ferentz can finish the season, but there is no spark on that side of the ball, which is holding them back. Hopefully, for the Hawkeyes, this is the move that will push them to be more competitive in college football, especially with all of the changes coming in 2024.
