Kirk Ferentz achieves multiple increases to staff salary pool with win over Northwestern

There has been a lot of talk surrounding the coaching staff for the Iowa Hawkeyes. Still, regardless of all the noise, head coach Kirk Ferentz has continued to keep the Hawkeyes as one of the top teams in the Big Ten West and in contention for a conference title. And following Iowa’s 10-7 victory over Northwestern in Week 10, their head coach secured the bag for his staff.

According to USA Today’s Steve Berkowitz, Ferentz will receive an increase in his salary pool for assistant coaches and other staff members next season. Also, a $125,000 bonus pool has been earned for non-assistant coach staff members for this year.

Iowa’s offense struggled again on Saturday, putting up 169 yards of total offense. But, per usual of the Hawkeyes in the Ferentz era, they played stout, suffocating defense. Iowa allowed 170 yards of total offense, limiting Northwestern to 81 yards passing and 89 yards rushing. The Wildcats also contributed to their own demise with seven penalties for 71 yards. When the smoke settled, Ferentz’s defense forced northwestern into more punts (eight) than they had points in the game.

Ferentz addresses if Brian Ferentz not returning next season will impact their relationship

Iowa announced earlier this week that offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz will not return for the 2024 season. It was a move that was, without a doubt, tough on Kirk Ferentz, who is the Iowa head coach and Brian’s father.

Kirk Ferentz was asked earlier this week how Brian Ferentz being fired impacted him from a personal standpoint. It hurt, for sure, but the Hawkeyes have to keep pushing on.

“I’ve had a lot of strong relationships with a lot of people that have worked here, and that’s one of the beauties of what we do,” Ferentz said. “So if this were anybody on our staff that fell into this category, I’d feel bad about it. But I’m guessing they would encourage us to keep moving forward, too. And that’s just what you have to do.”

Iowa is currently 6-2 (3-2) heading into Saturday’s game at Northwestern.

It has been a solid season for the Hawkeyes overall, but the offense has really struggled.

Iowa is dead last in the nation in yards per game at 232.4 — 26 yards behind the next worst team. Iowa is also averaging 19.5 points per game, which ranks No. 120 out of 133 teams.