- Program
- Iowa
- Level
- FBS
- In Role Since
- 1999
- Conference
- Big Ten
- Education
- B.A., English Education, University of Connecticut (1978)
Profile
Kirk Ferentz is the Moon Family Head Football Coach at the University of Iowa, a position he has held since 1999 and as a member of the Iowa coaching staff for 36 seasons. He became the Big Ten’s winningest coach after Iowa’s win over UMass on Sept. 13, 2026 and owns a 209-128 record at Iowa and a 221-149 overall head coaching mark over 30 seasons. Ferentz has guided Iowa to 23 bowl invitations since 2001 and 11 bowl victories, the most bowl wins by any Big Ten coach, and his Hawkeyes captured the Big Ten West Division in 2023 and the 2025 ReliaQuest Bowl (34-27 over No. 14 Vanderbilt).
Coaching Approach
Long-tenured, trench-first emphasis with documented offensive line priority—Ferentz served as Iowa offensive line coach (1981–89), and Iowa’s offensive line earned the Joe Moore Award after its 2025 season—combined with a 'smart, tough, and physical' approach on the field as described in program materials; program continuity under Ferentz has produced 13 first-round NFL draft selections and multiple high-performing offensive and defensive units across his tenure.
Career Highlights
- Iowa head coach since 1999
- Became Big Ten’s winningest coach after Iowa’s win over UMass on Sept. 13, 2026
- 209-128 record at Iowa; 221-149 overall as a college head coach (30 years)
Sources
This is an independent editorial profile. It does not indicate that the coach controls an athlete profile, has joined Fite Football, or has been approved for recruiter access. Submit factual corrections with a source.