Kirk has done more with less over his career at Iowa. I do agree that at times he could have done even more, and that is frustrating. His style of play has won them many games. But there have been losses attributed to this same style, as well. It's anyone's guess how many, but it's not a stretch to say that. The lack of offense since 2021 has highlighted Iowa’s troubles winning games we think they should win. That recency bias plays a big part of the perceptions about the success of the program.
To speak to Kirk's success at Iowa, and to add a little perspective, when you look just at the Big Ten since Kirk has been here, Illinois, Northwestern, Michigan State, Minnesota, Indiana, and Purdue have all had double digit seasons of losing records. Kirk has had four, including the first two years when the cupboard was bare. Outside of the blue bloods, OSU, Michigan, and Penn State, Wisconsin has had fewer. PSU has even had 5 but they unquestionably have had far more success. Even Nebraska has had 8, and that’s just since 2012.
No one likes to hear it let alone acknowledge it, but Iowa has distinct disadvantages. A small state. That we share with Iowa State. Minnesota, Nebraska, and Wisconsin don’t have an instate competitor. Shoot, even OSU and PSU don’t really have to share their states with another school. So Iowa’s recruiting search has to be wider, going into other states that have major college programs that are pitching those kids to stay home. Also, Iowa doesn’t have a lineup of uber wealthy donors who will pump money into the program every year. (I just missed my shot when my Mega Millions ticket came up 6 numbers short). Not that Iowa is the poor boy of the B1G, but the big booster scroll is pretty short. In this day, (unfortunately) it's become a bigger factor.
In short, it's complicated. I got no complaints with anyone wanting more out of the program, I include myself in that group. It's to be expected out of fans. Maybe Iowa’s next coach will take Iowa to greater heights. That would be great and I want that to happen. We’re all going to find out soon enough. But I wouldn’t hold it against the next coach if it doesn’t happen. One thing, that new coach will be taking over a program that is on solid ground, thanks to Kirk. What he can do with it will be exciting to see. This I feel confident about, there will be I told you so's, coming from one segment or the other.
