Kirk Ferentz reacts to Clint Eastwood comparison

Kirk Ferentz has been compared to Clint Eastwood for his demeanor on the sidelines, but the Iowa leader swears it’s unintentional.

While some coaches love to fire up the crowd using various tactics, Ferentz is simple — he just coaches football. Speaking with the media ahead of the final week of the regular season, the Hawkeyes head coach reacted to the Eastwood likening from fans and the media alike.

“I just do what I do,” Ferentz said, regarding Eastwood comparisons. “I know I don’t beat my chest. I’m pretty sure I don’t do that. I don’t carry that flag coming out or you know, lead the team. It’s a players’ game. It’s a players’ game. The way our guys walk, they’re incredibly slow. So you know, I turn around and they’re like, way the hell back there. It’s not intentional. You just get out there, and what else are you going to do? But no, I don’t know what I look like.

“It’s not an exact of bravado. I’m not Clint Eastwood, I guarantee you. I wish I was. Except he’s older than I am, so maybe I wish I wasn’t.”

There you have it. Ferentz isn’t trying to look like Eastwood. He’s just that naturally charismatic, striking fear into Iowa’s opponents.

Regardless, Kirk Ferentz and company are hoping to finish their season strong, as they’ll face the Nebraska Cornhuskers in Week 13.

Kirk Ferentz details growth of Deacon Hill as Iowa’s quarterback

Moreover, Iowa has accomplished a lot this season without the quarterback that they planned to have. To Kirk Ferentz, that’s a credit to the continued growth and improvement of Deacon Hillfrom the moment that they had to call his number to today.

Ferentz spoke highly of Hill and his development as the Hawkeyes’ starter during a press conference this week. He understands that, without much experience, this has been a big ask of him. Still, with the help of their staff and a commitment from Hill, he has been better as the season has gone on.

“When we threw him in there? We all knew he had, basically, zero experience,” Ferentz explained. “No game experience, scout team for a couple years up in Wisconsin, really got his first work starting last spring with us. So it has been a process all the way through.”

“I think he has improved each and every week,” said Ferentz. “It has been a long haul. And I think, really, the credit goes to him. It’s everybody working with him, though. But I think we know him better. He certainly has improved dramatically.”

Since taking over for Cade McNamara, Hill has gone 82-165 (49.7%) for 833 yards, six total touchdowns, and five interceptions. It hasn’t been a whole lot but, paired with the Iowa defense, has been enough to get them to a 6-1 record with him at QB1. It has also helped put them in a position to be in the Big Ten Championship.