Brian Ferentz statement following Iowa announcement: 'I have always considered it and will always consider it an honor'

Brian Ferentz’s time is coming to an end at Iowa. After the program announced it will be parting ways with Ferentz next season on Monday, the offensive coordinator released a statement.

“For the vast majority of my adult life I have had the privilege to represent the University of Iowa as a football player and coach,” Ferentz said, according to ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “I have always considered and will always consider it an honor.

“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.”

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It’s been a while since Iowa has seen offensive success. In 2022, Iowa only averaged 17.7 points and 156.7 yards passing per game. Even worse, Iowa finished 130th out of 131 FBS teams in total offense at 256.1 yards per game. Consequently, Iowa revised Ferentz’s contract ahead of the 2023 season.

The program docked his salary from $900,000 to $850,000. Further, Iowa added a clause which stated Iowa must score 325 total points in the regular-season games for Ferentz to retain his job in 2024. For reference, 85 programs reached this mark in 2022.

Eight games into the season, Ferentz isn’t remotely on track to reach this target. Iowa has averaged just 19.5 points per game, ranking No. 116 in the country. Iowa’s lack of offensive production is an all-too-familiar sight for Iowa fans.

A history of offensive struggles for Brian Ferentz

Iowa named Ferentz offensive coordinator in 2017, and the program’s offense has sputtered since, regularly producing one of the lowest offensive outputs in the country. On Monday, interim athletic director released a statement, detailing Iowa’s decision to part ways with Ferentz.

“Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season,” Goetz wrote in a press release. “Our struggles on offense coupled with the offensive coordinator’s contract make this a unique situation.

“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. Making this known today is in the best interest of the program and its loyal fans; it provides clarity during this pivotal time in the schedule. It is not my practice to be involved in assistant coaching decisions and certainly not to make public such a change during a season.”

Ferentz will maintain his role until the end of the season. According to him, he will continue to do his best in that role. Fans can see for themselves on Saturday when Iowa faces off against Northwestern at 3:30 p.m. ET on Saturday.