Brian Ferentz will not return as Iowa's Offensive Coordinator

The Brian Ferentz question was answered on Monday.

Iowa’s embattled offensive coordinator was informed by interim athletic director Beth Goetz that he would not be offered a contract to return for the 2024 season. Due to nepotism regulations at the University of Iowa, Goetz was his direct supervisor instead of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz.

“Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season. 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.”

In early February, then athletic director Gary Barta signed Brian Ferentz to a one year contact. The deal included provisions that required the Hawkeye team to win seven games and average 25 points per game in order to earn a new two year contract.

This season, Iowa sits at six wins with four games remaining on the schedule, so he is likely to meet that requirement. However, the point per game number will not be met. So far this season, Iowa is averaging 19.5 points per game and they have scored 156 points this year. There is no realistic scenario where the Hawkeyes would reach 25 points per game this season.

Ferentz was a starter at center for the Hawkeyes in the early 2000’s. He spent two seasons chasing his NFL dreams with stints at Atlanta and New Orleans. In 2008 he moved into the world of coaching, starting out at the NFL level. He spent four seasons learning and coaching for the New England Patriots.

In 2012, he was hired by his father to become Iowa’s offensive line coach. In 2015 he added run game coordinator duties to his resume. Following the 2016 season then Iowa offensive coordinator Greg Davis announced his retirement and Brian Ferentz moved to the offensive coordinator position. In 2017 he also coached running backs. The following season he moved to coaching tight ends before switching to quarterback coach in 2022, along with continuing as Iowa’s offensive coordinator.

After starting off solidly as the offensive coordinator, Iowa’s scoring production dwindled in the last few seasons. In 2017, Iowa averaged 28.2 points per game and had 329 yards of total offense a contest. That season, the Hawkeyes also hung 55 points on Ohio State in a one-sided victory.

The solid to strong offensive production continued for the next three years, including the Covid shortened 2020 campaign. In 2018, Iowa averaged 31.2 points per game and 375 yards of total offense. In 2019, Iowa slipped back at bit to 25.8 points per game and 366 yards a contest. That season ended with a trouncing of USC in the Holiday Bowl.  In the short Covid season, Iowa averaged 31.8 points per game and rolled up 368.6 yards a game.

Then the decline began with the Iowa offense. In 2021, Iowa’s scoring average dropped to 23.4 points per game and 303 yards a contest. Last year it was an anemic 17.7 points per game and just 251.6 yards of total offense.

This season it’s down to just 232.4 yards per game and trending downwards. It is worth noting that Iowa has played a good portion of this season without starting quarterback Cade McNamara and tight end Luke Lachey and Erick All, who are the Hawkeyes best pass catchers.

With Brian Ferentz departing, Kirk Ferentz will now be charged with finding a new offensive coordinator. The expectation is that he will wait until the end of the regular season before he begins the search in an official capacity.

More to come on this breaking news from HawkeyeReport.com.