Iowa will never be a top 4 Big10 football program regardless of who is coaching. Those spots are currently reserved for OSU, Michigan, PSU, and Oregon and that won't be changing in the foreseeable future. Iowa is a tier 2 program along with the likes of USC, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and now Indiana and illinois.Iowa is a top half Big 10 program that will never be a top 4 Big 10 football program until Kirk and his stubborn, outdated ideas are gone.
Iowa can still get a top line new coach.
My personal preferences for the next coach:
1. Bob Stoops - don't say it's impossible, give him 10 million a year for 3 years and watch him cook.
2. Chris Klieman - i think he would jump if the offer was rich enough
3. Mark Stoops - probably the most realistic option out there