In a major announcement, interim athletic director Beth Goetz revealed on Monday that Brian Ferentz, the offensive coordinator for the Iowa Hawkeyes, will no longer hold the position at the conclusion of the season. Ferentz, who is the son of head coach Kirk Ferentz, has served as offensive coordinator for seven seasons but has faced mounting criticism due to the unit's declining production.

Over the past three years, the Hawkeyes' offensive output has experienced a significant decline, with their average yardage per game plummeting to 232.2 yards this season, ranking them last in the Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS). Additionally, their scoring average of 19.5 points per game places them at a dismal 120th in the FBS. These lackluster statistics have underscored the need for change within the offensive coaching staff.

Since the start of the 2022 season, Iowa has averaged 244.2 yards and 18.4 points per game, further highlighting the struggles of the offense. In fact, since 2021, the Hawkeyes have been averaging a mere 268 yards per game, the worst in the FBS, along with a scoring average of 20.4 points per game, ranking 123rd in the nation.

In her statement, Goetz acknowledged the challenges faced by the team's offense and the unique situation arising from Ferentz's contract. Previous athletic director Gary Barta had restructured Ferentz's contract in February, implementing certain criteria for his return in 2024. However, the offense has fallen short, with the team mustering just 156 points in eight games, far from the required average of 25 points per game over a 13-game season.

Goetz, after consultations with Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz, and school president Barbara J. Wilson, made the decision to remove Brian Ferentz from his position at the end of the season. However, Goetz emphasized that Ferentz would remain with the team through the bowl game, offering clarity and stability during this critical phase of the schedule.

Goetz's involvement in this decision is due to state nepotism laws, as she is Brian Ferentz's immediate supervisor, unlike Kirk Ferentz. She expressed her commitment to the overall success of the student-athletes, both on and off the field, emphasizing that her priority is to put them in the best position to succeed. However, she acknowledged that publicizing such a change during the season is not her usual practice.

Currently, the Iowa Hawkeyes hold a 6-2 overall record and are tied for first place in the West Division of the Big Ten Conference, with a 3-2 record in conference play. The team's accomplishments under Ferentz as offensive coordinator have been modest, with averages of 320.2 yards and 25.3 points per game since 2017, ranking 131st and 100th in the FBS, respectively.

Brian Ferentz himself commented on the situation, expressing his gratitude for the opportunity to represent the University of Iowa as both a player and a coach. He reiterated his unwavering commitment to the team's success, emphasizing that as long as he remains employed by the university, his goal remains unchanged: to contribute to the well-being of the students and the team.

The decision to part ways with Brian Ferentz marks a significant change within the coaching staff for the Iowa Hawkeyes. As the team continues to pursue a Big Ten Championship and a bowl game victory, it remains to be seen how this change will impact their performance moving forward.