Hawkeye fans react to news that Brian Ferentz wonβt return as OC in 2024
The move has long been speculated among fans, supporters and anyone discussing the Iowa Hawkeyes. On Monday the speculation ended.
David Eickholt of Hawkeye Insider was first to report Brian Ferentz would not return as the offensive coordinator in 2024.
Interim Iowa athletics director Beth Goetz confirmed the news on Monday afternoon.
βAnyone 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 coordinatorβs contract make this a unique situation.
βAfter 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,β Goetz said in a statement.
The Hawkeyesβ offense has struggled the last few years and this move signifies change is coming. Brian Ferentz took a pay cut prior to the season along with an amended contract that called for Iowa to average 25 points per game and to win at least seven games in order for Ferentz to remain as the Hawkeyesβ offensive coordinator.
While Iowa will likely hit the seven-win threshold β it is 6-2 β it is a ways off the points per game mark. Through its first eight games, Iowa has scored 156 points, or 19.5 points per game.
Iowa would need to score 169 points over its next five games, or average 33.8 points per game to meet that 25 points per game mark. If the Hawkeyes make it to the Big Ten Championship game, Iowa would need to score 194 points over its next six games, which equates to an average of 32.3 points per game.
As expected, social media took to it when the news broke. Here are social media reactions from Hawkeye fans regarding the news.
It's official.
Sources: Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz 'not expected' to return in 2024.https://t.co/lG0nOXs28z
β David Eickholt (@DavidEickholt) October 30, 2023
As to the timing...
First thought was weird timing but this will allow Iowa to keep some guys and also recruit the portal right out of the gate instead of having some uncertainty. Good on Brian for that.
β Extremely Impressive Felts (PAIN) (@Zhawk44) October 30, 2023
The first step
This is a necessary step for the program and one that shouldβve been made long ago. But nothing is going to change offensively unless Kirk Ferentz allows it to. https://t.co/myMt7M41ZJ
β Chris Hassel (@Hassel_Chris) October 30, 2023
Change must continue
Brian stepping down at the end of the season, or stepping down now shouldnβt surprise anyone.
If youβve been watching Iowa football, you know in your Hawkeye Heart, this isnβt about Brian, but the overall philosophy of how Iowa as a program runs its offense.
Only Kirk can⦠https://t.co/xaN7FzFQPF
β Joe Hugen (@Joe_Hugen) October 30, 2023
To be a fly on the wall
Just remember thereβs a lot more going on inside the building than what leaks out.
Kirkβs book will be absolute gold someday. #Hawkeyes
β Cody Hills (@ByCodyHills) October 30, 2023
What a turnout (this is not real)
insane crowd downtown Iowa city today as students find out about Brian Ferentz pic.twitter.com/88A3VoglYo
β Dr. Hawkize, M.D. (@stillnothawkize) October 30, 2023
End of an era!
The end of a truly entertaining (but not in a "score a bunch of points" way) era. https://t.co/vIKIm14hYs
β Carter Bahns (@carterbahns) October 30, 2023
A special episode
Stay tuned for a special episode of SUCCESSION: Iowa City pic.twitter.com/uKB7Il1usW
β The 130th Best OC (@brianferentz_oc) October 30, 2023
The final plan
Step 1: Brian Ferentz resigns.
Step 2: ???
Steps 3-9: ???
Step 10: pic.twitter.com/oIhyuELYGhβ Mike Jones (@mjwh24) October 30, 2023
OK, it's happening!
Iowa fans hearing the Brian Ferentz rumors pic.twitter.com/lsbx0jRTfP
β Iowa Chill (@IowaChill) October 30, 2023
A Hawkeye miracle to some
Do you believe in miracles? https://t.co/xYcqBY1Bbq
β David Burge (@iowahawkblog) October 30, 2023
At long last for many
BRIAN FERENTZ IS NO LONGER OUR OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR. IT FINALLY HAPPENED. pic.twitter.com/oRHLrN4lyt
β KirkBurner (@kferentzburner) October 30, 2023
Quite the thread
send me your favorite Brian Ferentz moments and letβs mourn together https://t.co/4w2V6wh6A1
β no context college football (@nocontextcfb) October 30, 2023
Kirk making the change
Kirk Ferentz finally firing his son: pic.twitter.com/uC2dYgALKZ
β Jim Weber (@JimMWeber) October 30, 2023
It's a start
Still something unsatisfying about it because I think itβs deeper than just the OC. But itβs a step in the right direction https://t.co/0PNb7CJxEK
β Jen (@JenksHawk) October 30, 2023
Wait, we got it mixed up??
You guys are getting Brian Ferentz resigning and re-signing confused
β G (@GriffinHatten) October 30, 2023
Could it be coming?
When KF announces his retirement Iβm gonna bawl like a friggin baby so just prepare yourselves.
β katieπ« (@katiejo_ia) October 30, 2023
The harsh reality of it all
There were numerous possible outcomes when Brian Ferentz was added to Iowa's staff before the 2012 season.
Only one of the outcomes was ever going to be good. The "happily ever after" ending.
The odds were not in Kirk's favor.
β Todd Brommelkamp (@ToddBrommelkamp) October 30, 2023
How was the Brian Ferentz era?
βDad, how bad was Brian Ferentz as the Iowa offensive coordinator?β @BarstoolUIowa pic.twitter.com/tnmS8etKgo
β Elden Lord Connie (@chisoxconnie) October 30, 2023
Season back on
10-2 Iowa is once again back on the table..
β πππ©π© πππ£ππππ¨π©ππ§ (@ChinLovesIowa) October 30, 2023
What does the offense look like the rest of the way?
With that news do we finally see a more open offense so he can essentially "audition" for his next gig?
β ππ±πͺπβ’ (@hawkeyeinmd) October 30, 2023
Let's not forget
In all fairness, I will say this: Brian Ferentz was (and probably still would be) a pretty good O-Line coach.#Hawkeyes https://t.co/q11fVWfPER
β Hawkeyes Mic (@HawkeyesMic) October 30, 2023
It would be too fitting, wouldn't it?
Iowa will have a 400 yard offensive output on Saturday wonβt they ππ (they wonβt)
β katieπ« (@katiejo_ia) October 30, 2023
And the crowd goes wild
Beth Goetz appreciation post. pic.twitter.com/jcHuZ0mlpy
β Nate Stanley stan account (@dmcbride77) October 30, 2023
An opinion
Brian was 48-16 as an offensive coordinator at Iowa. People that are happy about the news just donβt know ball. https://t.co/yQ2x1ViCrR
β Mike Petras (@MikePetras7) October 30, 2023
It just didn't work...
I definitely feel for Brian Ferentz and his family if what has been rumored is true.
The guy literally nearly lost his leg as a player, came back finished his playing days and came back as a coach.
He got his chance and it just didnβt work, and that happens in life.
β Quinn Douglas (@Quinn_Douglas_) October 30, 2023
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