Defensive points count towards Brian Ferentz points per game contract incentive

The pressure will finally be on for Brian Ferentz this season, as the Iowa offensive coordinator has been given a few goals for next season. A financial bonus will be obtained by Ferentz if the Hawkeyes can average 25 points while winning at least seven games. Easier said than done in Iowa City, especially after last season’s disaster.

Ferentz could get some help from the defense though. According to an Iowa spokesperson via Sports Illustrated, “any points scored” will go into the 25 point average. Meaning, if the Hawkeyes are able to have another solid defensive scoring year, they could be helping out the OC in a big way.

Iowa scored six defensive touchdowns last season, being one of the best in the country. Two safeties were added as well, being the difference in a season opening win against the eventual FCS national champions, South Dakota State.

Even so, the Hawkeyes only averaged 17.7 points last season. Iowa as a team was only able to get above the 25 point total three times last season (all wins) and those teams had a combined record of 7-29. But the offense was not responsible for one of those high scoring contests. Of the 27 points scored against Rutgers, 14 came from the defensive end.

Work will have to be done this offseason to improve the Iowa offense. Maybe Ferentz will continue to peak into defensive meeting as well, asking for a hand to get points on the board.

Iowa OC Brian Ferentz receives amended contract

Changes are being made with offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz. However, they are most likely changes Iowa fans will not be a fan of. Ferentz will receive a different contract than usual for the Hawkeyes, with a more incentive based deal being made.

Iowa made the deal official on Monday, although the contract went into effect on Feb. 1. Expectations for the Hawkeyes offense must not be high internally, with Ferentz having a low bar to meet offensively during the 2023 season.

“The contract amendments include a salary of $850,000, effective Feb. 1, 2023,” a statement from the school said said. “The Designated Performance Objectives for the 2023 season include an average of at least 25 points per game and a minimum of seven wins, including regular season and a possible bowl game.”

If Iowa gets to seven wins and averages at least 25 points per game, a bonus will be thrown in the direction of Ferentz. He will also get back a rolling two-year agreement with the program, seemingly having a one-year prove it deal for the fall.