So, do we hate Ferentz again?

[forgedpistons]

Going into August last season, there was a strong uproar among the most vocal Iowa fans that Kirk Ferentz needed to go. Then last season happened. And all was OK again. BUT, not because the Hawks went 12-2. No...it was because old Kirk was new Kirk. He was acceptable again. Fast forward to 2016...Iowa is underachieving thus far. They lost for the first time ever to an FCS opponent and barely beat a bad Rutgers team today. So, what gives? Is new Kirk back to being old Kirk, desite doing the same things he's always done? Or, are fickle fans merely mad that things aren't going perfectly?

 

[icantfindausernamethatisntused]

Good result = New Kirk

Bad result = Old Kirk

Pretty simple, really. This way, if the team does well, then the fans that want/wanted Ferentz gone don't have to admit that maybe he wasn't that bad of a coach.

 

[CadeHawk]

I don't think any semi-reasonable Iowa fan hates Kirk.

He has done a lot for the program and is a wonderful person.

That being said I thought the first 10 year contract was stupid and I am absolutely shocked Barta was stupid enough to do a second 10 year contract.

 

[Hawks_Rock_12]

I don't think any semi-reasonable Iowa fan hates Kirk.

He has done a lot for the program and is a wonderful person.

That being said I thought the first 10 year contract was stupid and I am absolutely shocked Barta was stupid enough to do a second 10 year contract.

You forgot to drop the Mic

 

[scotthawk1964]

There's a certain amount of people on this board who are going to hate Kirk whether he wins or loses anyway. So it's kind of a moot question since the haters bide their time when Iowa wins to come out of the closet when Iowa loses. The rest of us just have to hope that Iowa wins sexy enough for them to shut their pie holes on a more consistent basis. Lol

 

[OldTownPepe]

I don't think any semi-reasonable Iowa fan hates Kirk.

He has done a lot for the program and is a wonderful person.

That being said I thought the first 10 year contract was stupid and I am absolutely shocked Barta was stupid enough to do a second 10 year contract.

I don't know how wonderful Kirk Ferentz is, I don't know him, personally. He's done some good things for the Iowa program although, even after 17 years of heading our team, his coaching philosophy still baffles us all. He's a bit like an eccentric old uncle who nobody in the family can quite figure out, but you can't ever kick him to the curb.
I agree about the contract extensions, though. But, the extensions make it more about Barta than about Ferentz. It makes no sense, and the last time he got his 10 year increase, we all saw how he seemed to slack off when it came to innovation and change. Says more about Barta's job insecurities to me than anything else. Let's hope history doesn't repeat itself.

 

[Bigfann1966]

KF is a good guy, would be hard to hate him. As a football coach, I could take or leave him. His style of play drives me nuts! There are some great football minds out there and we have a senior citizen OC and the DC looks lost half the time. He finally grew a couple yesterday and blitzed. Finally saw the raider package. 4th game and already lost one and we decide now is the time???

 

[hansenhawk]

I never bought into new Kirk. The bounces just went his way last season.

I still want a new, young coaching staff instead and makes Iowa football seem less like you are getting a cavity filled.

 

[hawkbuck70]

There's a certain amount of people on this board who are going to hate Kirk whether he wins or loses anyway. So it's kind of a moot question since the haters bide their time when Iowa wins to come out of the closet when Iowa loses. The rest of us just have to hope that Iowa wins sexy enough for them to shut their pie holes on a more consistent basis. Lol

I certainly don't hate Kirk. I am sure he is a good man. What I hate is his stubbornness, his predictability and the fact that any average (or below average at times) teams can play with them because his teams are easier to prepare for. It's right there, all on the film, with little deviation. I'm new to the board, so I'm sure others have said the same long before this post. I just wanted to say you can hate some aspects or traits, without hating the coach.

 

[CO_hawk]

I was excited for Iowa to get back to playing good ball last year. Right now I'm not so excited knowing the Kirk and Co can not maintain winning 11+ games a year, and just got a 10 year extention.

I'm not giving up on this team yet, but chances are we won't see a great team for a couple of years.

 

[scotthawk1964]

Well I would agree with you gentlemen I don't think anyone is really excited with Hawkeye football right now. I also know that Hawkeye fans have seen this movie before, having a great season and then having high expectations, and the team Falls flat. I'm just not ready to jump on that bandwagon after being 3 and 1. They didn't overwhelm a whole lot of people last year either so I think the Doom and Gloom might be a little premature. It is hard to understand how they played such a great game against Iowa State and have been devoid of any passion last two weeks. They better have some passion this Saturday because I guarantee Northwestern will have a chip on their shoulder looking for Revenge.

 

[grosie#2]

Iowa is the type of program where there are going to be up and down seasons. They can't recruit the talent like a Ohio State or Michigan. Ferentz and his coaching staff have to develop players. Losing a Blyth or a WR like Smith or a Drew Ott, Iowa doesn't always have the players to replace them right away. I believe as the season goes on a lot of the new players will develop and get better. Iowa proved last yr. that their offense can be good it's the players running it that have to get better. The same can be said about the defense.

 

[Thunderlips71]

Extending Ferentz for another decade with a crippling buyout was as foolish as the Yankees giving a 34 year-old Alex Rodriguez a 10 year deal. Both teams negotiated against themselves doubled down on stupidity. Ferentz is a good man but an average coach; no other programs were beating down the door to steal him away from Iowa so the lengthy extension is a head-scratcher.

 

[grosie#2]

Extending Ferentz for another decade with a crippling buyout was as foolish as the Yankees giving a 34 year-old Alex Rodriguez a 10 year deal. Both teams negotiated against themselves doubled down on stupidity. Ferentz is a good man but an average coach; no other programs were beating down the door to steal him away from Iowa so the lengthy extension is a head-scratcher.

In Ferentz's early yrs. at Iowa there where many offers from other schools plus the NFL for Kirk to leave. He has pretty much stated that Iowa is where he wants to be, along with being paid well and age, I doubt other schools will come calling. As far as his extension, anyone can be fired at any time it just comes down to what it will cost. With all Kirk's coaching awards, bowl appearances, winning a Big 10 Championship, having teams finishing well in the polls, Ferentz is more than an average coach.

 

[Scott559]

I still support him and believe he is the right coach for Iowa.

 

[24 so far]

I certainly don't hate Kirk. I am sure he is a good man. What I hate is his stubbornness, his predictability and the fact that any average (or below average at times) teams can play with them because his teams are easier to prepare for. It's right there, all on the film, with little deviation. I'm new to the board, so I'm sure others have said the same long before this post. I just wanted to say you can hate some aspects or traits, without hating the coach.

Yep. The good news for me I guess is that every time the University of Iowa enriches the Ferentz Family some more, they save me money at the same time. Money not spent traveling long distances to watch Iowa Football in person.

Kirk's mundane Offensive philosophy would probably work OK if he could package that with a stifling Defense, but the chances of that happening pretty much left with the departure of Norm Parker. If I were Kirk I'd keep beating the bushes for the best Punters you can find, that seems to be helpful.

Anyway, I thought we might have seen glimpses of a New Kirk last year, but that was mostly for show apparently. Kirk's had some good wins, but far more head scratching losses. Look for that to continue in the next ten years.

 

[Bigfann1966]

In Ferentz's early yrs. at Iowa there where many offers from other schools plus the NFL for Kirk to leave. He has pretty much stated that Iowa is where he wants to be, along with being paid well and age, I doubt other schools will come calling. As far as his extension, anyone can be fired at any time it just comes down to what it will cost. With all Kirk's coaching awards, bowl appearances, winning a Big 10 Championship, having teams finishing well in the polls, Ferentz is more than an average coach.

He wouldn't leave then for the same reason he won't leave now, the expectations at Iowa are low and having an occasional good year keeps the majority of the fans happy! Had he gone pro or too a program with championship expectations, he would be a coordinator or unemployed right now!

 

[hawkcub]

Every fan base has the always want a bright shiny new toy type fans. Sometimes these fans get their wish. More times then not they end up in a worse position. When a guy like KF had the season Iowa had last year they generally go back in their holes and shut up. It bugs them too. Because they can't admit the guy can coach. Early struggles and right on que they pop back up.

 

[NevadaHawk]

Many have gone over the edge with KF and will not support him no matter what he does. Someday, people will realize how fortunate we were to him. KF will surpass the accomplishments of Hayden Fry and that 40-45 period that these two were at the helm at Iowa will be viewed as the golden years Iowa football.

 

[DewHawk]

I certainly do not hate KF as a person. I don't know the guy. But, I do hate how he coaches and his continued failure to adapt and exploit the opponent's weaknesses. He coaches like he has Alabama athletes, but usually has 2/3 walk-ons (yes sometimes there is a Jewell) starting most seasons. Certainly not a fan of the extension last time or this time. Iowa football under KF is about as non-creative as it can get.

 

[Giggy10]

With what offensive talent, NevadaHawk? With what wide receivers? With what evolutions in offensive scheme? 3 yards and a cloud of dust doesn't win championships anymore.

 

[Boomer51]

I never bought into new Kirk. The bounces just went his way last season.

I still want a new, young coaching staff instead and makes Iowa football seem less like you are getting a cavity filled.

Someone like a Lane Kiffin, or Greg Robertson, or Charlie Weis, or Rich Rodriguez, of Paul Rhodes, or George O'Leary, or Mike Locksley..... all upcoming and coming and new and fancy...
And well, all pretty much complete let downs.

 

[NikeAngel]

Folks, if you want a national championship you'll have to get dirty like Ohio State. I'll opt for a clean program and settle for 3 or 4 star recruits with an NFL quality coach. Ferentz has done a good job.....let's not go to the dark side.

 

[scotthawk1964]

I still support him and believe he is the right coach for Iowa.

Agreed and not just because you have a cool name. Lol

 

[grosie#2]

He wouldn't leave then for the same reason he won't leave now, the expectations at Iowa are low and having an occasional good year keeps the majority of the fans happy! Had he gone pro or too a program with championship expectations, he would be a coordinator or unemployed right now!

Coming from someone who knows very little about coaching and little about college football. Iowa has never been or will ever be a Ohio State or Michigan. Recruiting 4-5 star players to Iowa has been almost impossible. Location and the smaller population of Iowa gives Iowa a smaller pool of HS players to draw from. Iowa's out of state recruits are mainly 3-2 star recruits. Competing against schools like MSU, Nebraska, Wisconsin, ND, OSU, Michigan, Illinois, for some of the same recruits doesn't make it any easier. Having watched Iowa in the before Fry era, I'm surprised at times how far the Hawks have come as a football program. Iowa football could of very easily become a Purdue, Indiana, or Illinois type program. Instead Iowa is basically in the same boat as Wisconsin, Nebraska, and MSU. I credit Fry and Ferentz for that.

 

[Backinthe515]

Anyone have the updated contract buy out? Ferentz may not be on the hots eat but somone has gotta be asking Gary what the hell he was thinking.

 

[radicalhawk]

I don't think any semi-reasonable Iowa fan hates Kirk.

He has done a lot for the program and is a wonderful person.

That being said I thought the first 10 year contract was stupid and I am absolutely shocked Barta was stupid enough to do a second 10 year contract.

Couldn't agree more. What was the rush and the reason for a 10 year contract?? When you're making $4 mil a year and have been at Iowa for 15+ years, the one and only undefeated season shouldn't warrant a $500,000 a year raise and a uuuuge extension. At least, wait and see how this season pans out. Iowa is right back, and maybe worse to where they were in January 2015.

 

[toadfrog68]

Like your style grosie#2. Iowa has always fought and will always fight the perception that it is the most hinter of the hinterlands no matter how good the facilities, etc. I'll paraphrase a line from "A season on the Brink" from Bobby Knight. "There is no place on earth colder than flying into Iowa City in February." You don't think that kind of stuff is still out there? Especially with the southern kids. Iowa has no real metropolitan areas, a small population base and a image of being cold and deathly rural. It takes one hell of a recruiting job to get kids here. Getting them to the campus give the Hawks a chance but it is still tough when the next guy they are going to talk to is Jim Harbaugh, Saban or Meyer.

 

[HawkLogic]

I don't think any semi-reasonable Iowa fan hates Kirk.

He has done a lot for the program and is a wonderful person.

That being said I thought the first 10 year contract was stupid and I am absolutely shocked Barta was stupid enough to do a second 10 year contract.

He might be wonderful person. In general, most of high level coaches are not wonderful--they're out to make big bucks off players that don't get paid. Nick Saban for instance is not wonderful.

KF has made a crap load of money and lives a good life. If he's wonderful, there must be countless poor and underprivileged people out there that he has quietly helped. I would say KF is polite and intelligent and seems to be good family man without any publicly known vices.

 

[Rustys Dad]

I'll never "hate" Kirk. Kirk is as classy as they come. And while many programs have revolving doors with their staffs, Iowa has stayed the course with Kirk. I am the first to admit prior to last season I thought the end of the Kirk-regime was here.

And last season caught many of us by surprise and all was well. This season we started strong and then had two ugly games against NDSU and Rutgers. That being said, we're 3-1. Every game is not going to be pretty, and we've seen a lot of mental errors the past two weeks. I have faith the errors we're making are correctable.

How fans react is typical of our society today. "What have you done for me lately?" Now, we can all voice our displeasure via social media, etc. Yes, the Rutgers game was ugly. That being said, many teams have "ugly" wins. I still have faith in Kirk and the staff and the players.

We'll be okay. The season is still young. The players need to "bring it" every week on the emotional and mental front. The one thing I noticed while attending the NDSU game (and then hearing one of the announcers comment on it yesterday) is our sideline seemed to lack emotion. Kirk and staff didn't forget how to couch. The players need to execute. Silly penalties. Little emotion ... It's not all on Kirk.

 

[GPRHAWK]

I've just kind of accepted him for what he is. He has us as a 7-8 wins per year on average program with the occasional special season (and occasional bad season). The bad losses to ISU, MAC teams and bad B1G teams are pretty frustrating, but at a school like Iowa you're just not going to have enough talent to beat those teams just by showing up. We could do a LOT worse than Ferentz. It's also nice not having a slobby fatass or an asshole for a coach.

 

[Backinthe515]

I'm not in the fire KF crowd I am however in the crowd that says Gary Barta should never be allowed to make a decision regarding Iowa football ever again

 

[grosie#2]

Just a comparison on what Ferentz has to work with as far as talent, I went to the ND site. Kelly has 10 four star recruits. If that were the case at Iowa I would be very upset with Iowa football. ND looks pretty bad so far this season and yet Kelly is suppose to be a great coach. I did see Kelly fired his DC so I guess the DC had to take all the blame for ND's 1-3 season.

 

[Drift_Hawk]

Absolutely.

 

[ottumwan in tx]

I hate that the hawks Hate first downs under kf and gd

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I was excited for Iowa to get back to playing good ball last year. Right now I'm not so excited knowing the Kirk and Co can not maintain winning 11+ games a year, and just got a 10 year extention.

I can't understand why a football program can't win 11 games every season. We should simply get a new coach that can. That strategy is working well for Illinois, Nebraska, Minnesota, Purdue - we should do it too!

 

[Mulls1975]

I don't often hate but when I do it's reserved for Gary Barta. C'mon man!! Once was stupid twice is just plain and simple insanity.

 

[SDHawkDoc]

Thinking that there might be other options doesn't mean hating KF.
He's been overall good for the program.
But, does that have to mean that only the good is counted and the failures forgotten?
After the 2010 Orange Bowl I hoped that KF would take an NFL job. It would have been a nice change to transition a program not on a downslide. Despite last season, I still wonder if that was a missed opportunity for both parties.

 

[championhawk]

Thinking that there might be other options doesn't mean hating KF.
He's been overall good for the program.
But, does that have to mean that only the good is counted and the failures forgotten?
After the 2010 Orange Bowl I hoped that KF would take an NFL job. It would have been a nice change to transition a program not on a downslide. Despite last season, I still wonder if that was a missed opportunity for both parties.

He may have lasted 1 season in the NFL.

 

[milehighhawkeye24]

I was excited for Iowa to get back to playing good ball last year. Right now I'm not so excited knowing the Kirk and Co can not maintain winning 11+ games a year, and just got a 10 year extention.

I'm not giving up on this team yet, but chances are we won't see a great team for a couple of years.

Not sure if you will ever be satisfied if you are expecting 11+ wins a season, geeze that's lofty. I like it though lol