Addict Angles: Hawkeyes Fan Talks Ferentz

(I thought long-time commenter Doc’s comment on Iowa Hawkeyes coach Kirk Ferentz, a possible part of the increasingly likely Scott Pioli package, was worth featuring. I don’t know a ton about Ferentz, but I do know that the NFL has been interested in him for much of this decade. Thanks, Doc! – Adam)

I’ve been waiting to chime in on Ferentz so this seemed like an opportune moment. I grew up in Iowa and I’m currently attending medical school in Iowa City. As a Hawkeye Fan, I’m sure I’m a little biased so keep in mind this is Ferentz through my eyes.

Actually, Ferentz did interview for the Jaguars job a couple of years before Jack got it, but he turned down the offer. As far as BSC games go, in 2003, we got beat by USC and Palmer by 21 in the orange bowl. The next 3 years we played in New Years day bowls and beat some good programs like Florida and LSU, and lost to Florida a second time thanks to the officiating crew (ask any Iowa fan and they can tell you all about it). After that we kind had a rough couple seasons, highlighted by some off the field issues at Iowa. Problem was the Ferentz was taking some chances, recruiting some kids he shouldn’t have. He seems to have wised up though. This season Iowa’s combined four losses we by a total of 12 points. With better play calling and a few bounces that go our way instead of for the opposing team, and Iowa is getting their butts kicked by USC in the Rose Bowl instead of Penn State. What do I mean, Ferentz and his offensive coordinator definitely made some questionable calls. Against Northwestern we had 1st and goal from the 5 or the 7 with plenty of time left and instead of running Shonn Greene we threw if four times unsuccessfully and lost the game. Against Michigan State we were in field goal range and a field goal would have tied it, but we went for it on 4th and 2. He called a little sweep play to Greene and he didn’t get anything running to the outside, again questionable call in my mind. Somewhere Adam is thinking about throwing himself out of a window because this sounds all too familiar… I promise he isn’t nearly as bad as Harm… errr at least I think.

Going into this season there were some writers calling for Ferentz to be fired. I guess I’ve always supported Ferentz. He isn’t an emotional guy and he is a little boring for a football coach, but the reality is he is a great fit at Iowa. In fact, it is his demeanor that fuels a lot of the speculation every year, he always gives the appropriate, politically correct answer to whomever asks… “Blah, blah, blah, I haven’t talked to anyone yet, I love it at Iowa, blah blah blah.” At ten years, he is currently one of the longest tenured coaches in college football. He still has a son who is a freshman (I think) in high school and he has previously said that he won’t think about leaving Iowa City until at least his son graduates. Currently, the Hawkeye are only loosing 16 scholarship players and most of their starters are coming back including their quarterback who really matured this year. I know this is a Chiefs blog and you could care a less about the Hawkeyes, but I tell you this because Ferentz should have a really good team next year (somehow dbk301, Ferentz actually got some 4 stars recruits this year too, sad we Iowans have to get excited about that!). I think we play at Ohio State and at Penn State, if we win those games, Iowa could be in line for the big ten title. For all the above reasons, I just don’t see Ferentz walking away from Iowa right now. As always, ESPN is always looking to stir up trouble.

Hope this sheds some light on the situation. Of course, if Ferentz takes a job tomorrow don’t hold it against me, I’m just a lowly med student trying to keep his sanity by talking about his favorite subject, the Chiefs. Let me know if you guys have any other questions.

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