Iowa announced Friday that it reached a contract extension with football coach Kirk Ferentz, locking him down through the 2029 season. Per Iowa’s release, Ferentz’s total annual compensation is be $7 million annually. It includes a $500,00 base, $5.5 million in other forms of supplemental compensation and an extra $1 million longevity bonus.
“This contract extension would not be possible without substantial private support,” Iowa athletics director Gary Barta. “The pandemic has presented Iowa Athletics with significant financial challenges. We are grateful to the many donors and fans who have contributed directly toward the success of Hawkeye football.”
Ferentz just wrapped up his 23rd season with the Hawkeyes, guiding them to the Big 10 championship for the fourth time in his tenure and first time in six years. Iowa finished the regular season 10-2 before losing in the Big 10 championship against Michigan and then in the Citrus Bowl against Kentucky.
“Over his three decades with Iowa, coach Ferentz has led our football program with tremendous success and integrity, showcasing how athletics can be an enriching experience for our student-athletes and a corridor for many to learn about our remarkable university,” Iowa president Barb Wilson said. “This contract reflects our commitment to Kirk and Mary as members of our Hawkeye family.”
Ferentz passed legendary coach Hayden Fry in 2019 to become Iowa’s all-time winningest coach. He boasts a career record of 178-110 record with the Hawkeyes, including a 110-79 record in conference play. Iowa has not had a losing season since 2012 and has only had four such final records in Ferentz's tenure. Iowa finished ranked in the top 25 each of the last four years which is the second-longest streak in program history. It came in at No. 23 in both the AP and Coaches Polls following the Citrus Bowl loss. Iowa has also finished ranked in the top 10 five times during Ferentz's career, including a streak of three-straight times from 2002-04.
“Kirk’s consistent leadership and success over 23 years has been amazing and appreciated as he has led our football program in a first-class manner,” Barta said in a press release. “His success over the past 23 years speaks for itself. He is an asset to the University of Iowa and our athletics department as a whole. The foundation of his program is strong, and the future looks bright.”
Ferentz won two Big 10 titles with Iowa in 2002 and 2004 and owns prominent postseason victories in the Orange Bowl, Capital One Bowl and the Outback Bowl. He is the longest-tenured football coach in Iowa football's history.