If Iowa goes 8-4

[BigAssTurkeyLeg]

And the offense has a similar or slightly better year than last year (top 5 B1G rushing and top 10 B1G in passing) and Kirk retires, should Lester be considered a candidate to replace him?

I think he would be a good HC. He has some experience, is a good recruiter and would be nice to have a more QB/ offensive oriented mind in charge.

Let him keep Wallace on as DC and most of the assistants in place, plug a few holes on the staff and give him some NIL money and I think he would do at least as well as Kirk has.

 

[pistachio1999]

12 - 0 or fire everybody.

 

[icwesthawk]

8-4 is a average year for KF. Why would he retire next year if he didn't retire this year? Lester would get some run, IMHO if our offense is anything above average. Not sure he's the answer to follow KF, isn't Wallace head coach in waiting?

 

[stanzithemanzi12]

 no

And the offense has a similar or slightly better year than last year (top 5 B1G rushing and top 10 B1G in passing) and Kirk retires, should Lester be considered a candidate to replace him?

I think he would be a good HC. He has some experience, is a good recruiter and would be nice to have a more QB/ offensive oriented mind in charge.

Let him keep Wallace on as DC and most of the assistants in place, plug a few holes on the staff and give him some NIL money and I think he would do at least as well as Kirk has.

No

 

[2D_]

Personally, I think we'll have a worse record than that this year. But I think Lester is a no brainer for a coach. Dude is smart and understands the game. Has experience on both college and professional levels and has had experience as a HC. I like Wallace, but Lester has won me over.

 

[Grumpy Old Hawk]

And the offense has a similar or slightly better year than last year (top 5 B1G rushing and top 10 B1G in passing) and Kirk retires, should Lester be considered a candidate to replace him?

I think he would be a good HC. He has some experience, is a good recruiter and would be nice to have a more QB/ offensive oriented mind in charge.

Let him keep Wallace on as DC and most of the assistants in place, plug a few holes on the staff and give him some NIL money and I think he would do at least as well as Kirk has.

If Iowa goes 8-4 with this schedule Kirk should be coach of the year.

 

[hawkdave007]

I like Lester, but 8-4 ain't gonna cut it for him

In many ways Lester was brought in to break the Kirkball "10 win ceiling". I'd say yes if there's 11+ wins, and Iowa offense gets some national attention and/or it looks significantly improved under the eyeball test. Maybe that's not fair the Lester, but people already think Iowa can win 10 without a functioning offense, so...

But there's no in between. Lester will be a hot commodity if he suddenly gets Iowa to 11 wins, and we'll have trouble keeping him at that point. I don't see Iowa ever doing a "head coach in waiting" type deal (I could have seen it for Phil if he was a decade younger, and wanted the job), so the timing would have to work out just right with aKF retirement.

Lester getting the HC job might be a blow to Seth's ego, so who knows if he'd stick around and work under Lester.

 

[mro1978]

8-4 is a average year for KF. Why would he retire next year if he didn't retire this year?

because he'd have the record

 

[jonesy5960]

12 - 0 or fire everybody.

I think that's reasonable.

 

[jonesy5960]

I like Lester, but 8-4 ain't gonna cut it for him

In many ways Lester was brought in to break the Kirkball "10 win ceiling". I'd say yes if there's 11+ wins, and Iowa offense gets some national attention and/or it looks significantly improved under the eyeball test. Maybe that's not fair the Lester, but people already think Iowa can win 10 without a functioning offense, so...

But there's no in between. Lester will be a hot commodity if he suddenly gets Iowa to 11 wins, and we'll have trouble keeping him at that point. I don't see Iowa ever doing a "head coach in waiting" type deal (I could have seen it for Phil if he was a decade younger, and wanted the job), so the timing would have to work out just right with aKF retirement.

Lester getting the HC job might be a blow to Seth's ego, so who knows if he'd stick around and work under Lester.

So Lester gets evaluated on the performance of the defense and special teams?

 

[IChawkeye45]

Heck, we’d be hiring Brian Ferentz as our next coach if Gary Barta was still around. Brian’s offense, with our 2025 schedule, would be extremely lucky to win six games.

 

[uihawk82]

I like Lester, but 8-4 ain't gonna cut it for him

In many ways Lester was brought in to break the Kirkball "10 win ceiling". I'd say yes if there's 11+ wins, and Iowa offense gets some national attention and/or it looks significantly improved under the eyeball test. Maybe that's not fair the Lester, but people already think Iowa can win 10 without a functioning offense, so...

Iowa had just an awesome defense in 21-23 so that is why we won 10 games and we know we had a chance at a Big and Natty Championship if we had a real good offense.

 

[swihawk]

As long as little Debby loses to the hawks, it's a good season.

 

[ShonnDeereGreene]

For those mentioning Wallace as a leading candidate - what has he truly done to deserve it? Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a fine coach, but next in line for a top program HC without having owned anything himself first? That’s a big stretch imo. Other than KF tabbing him over Lavar Woods (apparently so given the title bump), I’d personally support Woods over Wallace if it’s indeed an internal hire not named Lester.

 

[Hawkfan_08]

Iowa had just an awesome defense in 21-23 so that is why we won 10 games and we know we had a chance at a Big and Natty Championship if we had a real good offense.

We didn't need a real good offense. We needed an average or slightly below average offense. Not a worst in the nation type offense.

 

[mvhomerl]

As long as little Debby loses to the hawks, it's a good season.

Keep expectations low, always a smart move.

 

[ichawk24]

Lester has been here a year, and has done some solid things. Why are people anointing him the head coach?

 

[Hawk_4shur]

And the offense has a similar or slightly better year than last year (top 5 B1G rushing and top 10 B1G in passing) and Kirk retires, should Lester be considered a candidate to replace him?

I think he would be a good HC. He has some experience, is a good recruiter and would be nice to have a more QB/ offensive oriented mind in charge.

Let him keep Wallace on as DC and most of the assistants in place, plug a few holes on the staff and give him some NIL money and I think he would do at least as well as Kirk has.

I like Lester. His very presence on the staff probably gets him an interview.

Hawks finished #117 in yards and #72 in scoring - without much talent or stability at QB. That's an improvement, but similar results will not make him a hot commodity.

I think the job would attract a list of qualified candidates. It's going to be a complicated hire.

 

[icwesthawk]

For those mentioning Wallace as a leading candidate - what has he truly done to deserve it? Don’t get me wrong, I think he’s a fine coach, but next in line for a top program HC without having owned anything himself first? That’s a big stretch imo. Other than KF tabbing him over Lavar Woods (apparently so given the title bump), I’d personally support Woods over Wallace if it’s indeed an internal hire not named Lester.

Maybe my memory is going but I thought Wallace was in line for another job and we retained him by giving him coach in waiting tag. Guess I'm imagining things again...

 

[LarryMullenJr.]

Heck, we’d be hiring Brian Ferentz as our next coach if Gary Barta was still around. Brian’s offense, with our 2025 schedule, would be extremely lucky to score six points.

FIFY

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

Of course Lester would be considered a candidate in that scenario. He’s the only assistant on the staff with FBS head coaching experience and will have turning around the god-awful offense under his belt. I don’t picture him being the next coach, but he would certainly get an interview if interested.

 

[hawksense]

Iowa had just an awesome defense in 21-23 so that is why we won 10 games and we know we had a chance at a Big and Natty Championship if we had a real good offense.

I love that some people still think that we could win a Natty right here in good, old Iowa. Not taking shots at the dreamers, but please, wake up. I can casually rattle off 10 teams with significant natural and historical advantages than the Hawks, and I love the Hawks. This new day and age seals it for us. Every single SEC team and most B1G teams can out spend us and have competitive facilities.

My advice to all of you, is to start drinking heavily. Truly, enjoy the day. Enjoy tailgating on a brilliant day. Enjoy family and friends as we gather to cheer our team in a flood of black and gold. Cheer big plays. Cheer first downs. Cheer for 100 yard rushers and WRs. Cheer the stronger units of the team. And, scream your head off for the years when we pull off the big upset and vault into the Top 10.

Just enjoy being a Hawkeye amongst other Hawkeyes.

But, definitely drink heavily.😂

Too much money flying around. Transfer portal. Drama. Coaching carousel. No loyalty, anywhere.

Unpopular thought, but here goes. Ferentz is as good as we’ll do. He can still navigate us to 8-9-10 win seasons, unspectacularly. Deal with that.

 

[SCHawkeye99]

If Iowa goes 8-4 with this schedule Kirk should be coach of the year.

and retire.

 

[2D_]

I love that some people still think that we could win a Natty right here in good, old Iowa. Not taking shots at the dreamers, but please, wake up. I can casually rattle off 10 teams with significant natural and historical advantages than the Hawks, and I love the Hawks. This new day and age seals it for us. Every single SEC team and most B1G teams can out spend us and have competitive facilities.

My advice to all of you, is to start drinking heavily. Truly, enjoy the day. Enjoy tailgating on a brilliant day. Enjoy family and friends as we gather to cheer our team in a flood of black and gold. Cheer big plays. Cheer first downs. Cheer for 100 yard rushers and WRs. Cheer the stronger units of the team. And, scream your head off for the years when we pull off the big upset and vault into the Top 10.

Just enjoy being a Hawkeye amongst other Hawkeyes.

But, definitely drink heavily.😂

Too much money flying around. Transfer portal. Drama. Coaching carousel. No loyalty, anywhere.

Unpopular thought, but here goes. Ferentz is as good as we’ll do. He can still navigate us to 8-9-10 win seasons, unspectacularly. Deal with that.

Real competitors don't settle. Take your Barta-esque mindset to the retirement home where it belongs.

 

[83Hawk]

Lester has been here a year, and has done some solid things. Why are people anointing him the head coach?

Because they grasp at the first shiny object. These are probably the same people that hoped Brian would eventually take over for Kirk, and wanted BJ Armstrong and Keno Davis as the basketball coach.

 

[InsaneHawkJJP]

I love that some people still think that we could win a Natty right here in good, old Iowa. Not taking shots at the dreamers, but please, wake up. I can casually rattle off 10 teams with significant natural and historical advantages than the Hawks, and I love the Hawks. This new day and age seals it for us. Every single SEC team and most B1G teams can out spend us and have competitive facilities.

My advice to all of you, is to start drinking heavily. Truly, enjoy the day. Enjoy tailgating on a brilliant day. Enjoy family and friends as we gather to cheer our team in a flood of black and gold. Cheer big plays. Cheer first downs. Cheer for 100 yard rushers and WRs. Cheer the stronger units of the team. And, scream your head off for the years when we pull off the big upset and vault into the Top 10.

Just enjoy being a Hawkeye amongst other Hawkeyes.

But, definitely drink heavily.😂

Too much money flying around. Transfer portal. Drama. Coaching carousel. No loyalty, anywhere.

Unpopular thought, but here goes. Ferentz is as good as we’ll do. He can still navigate us to 8-9-10 win seasons, unspectacularly. Deal with that.

Hawksense making no sense. Makes sense.

 

[BrotherHawkeye]

If Iowa goes 8-4 with this schedule Kirk should be coach of the year.

and retire.

I thought he might coach another year, two tops, but I now believe he’s in it for three more. Unless the bottom falls out, then a change may interfere with that timetable.

 

[intrepodor]

Keep expectations low, always a smart move.

Here in Western Iowa our 2 big games for a successful season are Nebraska and Iowa State

 

[kmurp]

I would be very happy with 8-4 this year. That would be a real achievement with this roster and schedule. I just want one of those eight wins to be ISU.

 

[mvhomerl]

Here in Western Iowa our 2 big games for a successful season are Nebraska and Iowa State

1-1 in '24

 

[intrepodor]

1-1 in '24

2-0 2025 !

 

[Hawkeye Marching Band]

I love that some people still think that we could win a Natty right here in good, old Iowa. Not taking shots at the dreamers, but please, wake up. I can casually rattle off 10 teams with significant natural and historical advantages than the Hawks, and I love the Hawks. This new day and age seals it for us. Every single SEC team and most B1G teams can out spend us and have competitive facilities.

My advice to all of you, is to start drinking heavily. Truly, enjoy the day. Enjoy tailgating on a brilliant day. Enjoy family and friends as we gather to cheer our team in a flood of black and gold. Cheer big plays. Cheer first downs. Cheer for 100 yard rushers and WRs. Cheer the stronger units of the team. And, scream your head off for the years when we pull off the big upset and vault into the Top 10.

Just enjoy being a Hawkeye amongst other Hawkeyes.

But, definitely drink heavily.😂

Too much money flying around. Transfer portal. Drama. Coaching carousel. No loyalty, anywhere.

Unpopular thought, but here goes. Ferentz is as good as we’ll do. He can still navigate us to 8-9-10 win seasons, unspectacularly. Deal with that.

Thanks, Bluto!

 

[Grumpy Old Hawk]

Thanks, Bluto!

Even if they were good enough the officiating would go against us as well.

 

[ICWestfan]

Of course Lester would be considered a candidate in that scenario. He’s the only assistant on the staff with FBS head coaching experience and will have turning around the god-awful offense under his belt. I don’t picture him being the next coach, but he would certainly get an interview if interested.

His was basically .500 at WMU, never won the conference, and was 1-2 in bowl games.

I think Iowa can do better than Lester.

 

[IowaHawk1994]

And the offense has a similar or slightly better year than last year (top 5 B1G rushing and top 10 B1G in passing) and Kirk retires, should Lester be considered a candidate to replace him?

I think he would be a good HC. He has some experience, is a good recruiter and would be nice to have a more QB/ offensive oriented mind in charge.

Let him keep Wallace on as DC and most of the assistants in place, plug a few holes on the staff and give him some NIL money and I think he would do at least as well as Kirk has.

4-8 with a lot of luck. This team is going to be terrible. Lady AD will fire KF at end of the season, like she did McCaffery. No choice.

 

[pistachio1999]

4-8 with a lot of luck. This team is going to be terrible. Lady AD will fire KF at end of the season, like she did McCaffery. No choice.

One of the wins will be against your Black Skirts.

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

His was basically .500 at WMU, never won the conference, and was 1-2 in bowl games.

I think Iowa can do better than Lester.

Me, too

 

[MeetTheFerentzes]

4-8 with a lot of luck. This team is going to be terrible. Lady AD will fire KF at end of the season, like she did McCaffery. No choice.

Dumbass AND as a special bonus, a misogynist. Not the least bit surprising for a run-of-the-mill Cornshucker...

 

[Iron Doc]

4-8 with a lot of luck. This team is going to be terrible. Lady AD will fire KF at end of the season, like she did McCaffery. No choice.

It will come down to the Offense.