Kirk Ferentz, Fran McCaffery release statements on Gary Barta’s retirement

After 17 years at the helm, Gary Barta revealed this morning that he would be stepping away as Iowa’s athletics director come Aug. 1.

Under Barta’s watch, the Iowa Hawkeyes captured four wrestling national championships, 27 Big Ten team titles, saw more than 160 student-athletes recognized as first-team All-Big Ten selections, and had multiple National Player of the Year athletes.

Naturally, those that worked closely with Barta wanted to make sure to share their thoughts on his nearing retirement. The Gazette‘s John Steppe shared statements from Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and the Hawkeyes enjoyed a mark of 137-79 (83-59 Big Ten). Iowa won a pair of Big Ten West division crowns in 2015 and 2021. The Hawkeyes earned 15 bowl game trips and won seven of those contests.

Ferentz shared his thoughts on Barta’s decision to retire.

“I was surprised to learn that Gary is retiring today. I valued our working relationship as he led our athletic department over the past 17 years. I certainly understand and respect his decision to walk away and wish he and Connie the very best in their new chapter,” Ferentz said in a statement.

The Hawkeyes are arguably enjoying their best period of sustained men’s basketball success. Iowa has made four consecutive NCAA Tournaments and seven overall under the guidance of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery.

McCaffery has compiled an overall record of 261-176 (126-118 Big Ten) and is just 10 wins shy of tying and 11 wins shy of surpassing Tom Davis and the Hawkeyes’ all-time wins record.

“Gary Barta was phenomenal to work with. One of the things that attracted me to the University of Iowa 13 years ago was his unwavering support of our staff and student-athletes, his commitment to doing things the right way, and always maintaining the integrity of our institution.

“Gary is loyal, and he was committed to constantly making us better. His diligence has helped our program succeed in the most competitive conference in college athletics. A lot of the success of our program has had is a direct result of Gary’s vision to improve Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The addition of the practice facility, and upgrades to the weight room and locker rooms were game changers for both men’s and women’s basketball, not to mention a number of other facility improvements for other teams.

“On a personal note, he has always been incredibly supportive of my family, including when my son Patrick was diagnosed with thyroid cancer in 2014. That speaks volumes about his character,” McCaffery said of Barta.

Of course, Barta released a statement earlier today on why he felt this is the right time to move on from the University of Iowa.

“The success enjoyed by our student-athletes and coaches during my entire tenure, and especially the past several years, has been impressive and record breaking on so many levels.

“My wife, Connie, and I were blessed to be able to raise our two kids (Luke and Madi) in this wonderful community. The four of us will be Hawkeyes for life. I’ve made incredible friendships within the athletic department, across campus, throughout the greater Iowa City community, and across the State.

“This decision didn’t come suddenly, nor did it come without significant thought, discussion, and prayer. As I’ve reflected, I came to the conclusion there’s never a good time to step away…because there’s always more to be done. That said, I’m confident this is the right time for me and for my family,” Barta said of his decision to retire.

Barta came to the University of Iowa in August of 2006 after serving as the Wyoming athletic director from 2003-06.

In Iowa’s press release of Barta’s upcoming retirement, the University revealed that an interim athletics director would be announced next week.

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Story originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire