Challenges in the Life of Kirk Ferentz in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: April 17, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Kirk Ferentz. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

Kirk Ferentz is the head football coach at the University of Iowa since 1999, making him the longest-tenured FBS coach with one program since 2017. Prior to Iowa, he was the head coach at the University of Maine (1990-1992), and an assistant coach in the NFL for the Cleveland Browns and Baltimore Ravens. Ferentz played college football as a linebacker at the University of Connecticut. He holds the record for all-time wins as a coach at Iowa.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles

1999: Struggling First Season

In 1999, Kirk Ferentz's first season as head coach at Iowa, the team struggled, winning only one game against Northern Illinois.

2000: First Big Ten Victory

In 2000, Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes snapped a 13-game losing streak with their first Big Ten conference victory against Michigan State, finishing 3-9 overall.

2000: Worst Iowa Under Ferentz Since 2000

In 2012, the 4–8 record stands as the worst Iowa under Ferentz since his second season in 2000.

2004: Ferentz Deals with Injuries and Father's Death

During the 2004 season, Kirk Ferentz dealt with multiple injuries to the Hawkeyes' running backs and the death of his father, John. Nevertheless, the team achieved a 9–2 regular season record, sharing the Big Ten Conference championship with Michigan. Shortly after his father's death, the Hawkeyes defeated Penn State 6–4.

January 2, 2006: Hawkeyes Lose to Florida in Outback Bowl

On January 2, 2006, the Iowa Hawkeyes lost to Florida 31–24 in the Outback Bowl. Concerns were raised regarding officiating in the game.

2006: Hawkeyes Collapse Down the Stretch

In 2006, the Iowa Hawkeyes started strong but collapsed down the stretch, losing five of their last six games. They finished the regular season with a 6–6 record and lost the Alamo Bowl to Texas.

2007: Hawkeyes Struggle in 2007

In 2007, Kirk Ferentz' Hawkeyes started 2–4 and lost their first three conference games. They ended a nine-game conference losing streak with a victory over Illinois, but a loss to Western Michigan dropped the Hawkeyes' season record to 6–6. The Hawkeyes did not receive a bowl bid. Multiple Hawkeye players were arrested, and a sexual case involving two Hawkeye players began in November 2007.

2010: Disappointing 8-5 Season in 2010

In 2010, the Iowa Hawkeyes had a disappointing 8–5 season. They defeated two ranked conference foes at home before losing their final three regular season games. Ferentz and the Hawkeyes defeated the 14th-ranked Missouri Tigers in the 2010 Insight Bowl.

2011: Rhabdomyolysis Cases and Controversy

In the 2011 offseason, thirteen football players ended up in University Hospital with rhabdomyolysis following a workout administered by strength coach Chris Doyle. The university tried to keep it under wraps, with Ferentz giving Doyle the "Assistant Coach of the Year" award despite the controversy. One of the injured players eventually sued and settled.

2011: Inconsistent Season for Hawkeyes

The 2011 Hawkeyes finished with a 7–6 record, defeating ranked Michigan but losing to unranked rivals Minnesota and Iowa State. The Hawkeyes lost to Oklahoma in the 2011 Insight Bowl.

2012: Struggles on Both Sides of the Ball

The 2012 Iowa season saw struggles on both sides of the ball with a 4-8 record. Quarterback James Vandenberg's production fell, and the team lost their final 6 games. The 4–8 record stands as the worst Iowa under Ferentz since his second season in 2000.

2014: Disappointing Season and Bowl Loss

In 2014, Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes had a disappointing season, finishing 7-6 overall and 4-4 in Big Ten play, losing all four rivalry games. The Hawkeyes also lost to Tennessee in the Taxslayer Bowl. Tackle Brandon Scherff won the Outland Trophy.

2016: Upset Victory Over Michigan and Outback Bowl Loss

In 2016, Iowa upset No. 3 Michigan with a last-second field goal. They also defeated No. 17 Nebraska. Iowa finished the regular season with an 8-4 record and the offensive line was awarded the Joe Moore Award. Iowa played in the Outback Bowl, losing to the Florida Gators 30-3.

2016: Rose Bowl Defeat

In 2016, the Hawkeyes played in the Rose Bowl, losing to Stanford 45-16. This marked their first trip to Pasadena in 25 years, but the loss extended their Rose Bowl losing streak.

June 6, 2020: Strength Coach Placed on Leave

On June 6, 2020, strength coach Chris Doyle was placed on paid administrative leave following allegations of a hostile program culture towards black student-athletes.

July 27, 2020: ESPN Article Cites Racial Inequities

On July 27, 2020, ESPN published an article detailing instances of racial inequities against black players during Ferentz's tenure as head coach.

December 18, 2020: Ferentz Tests Positive for COVID-19

On December 18, 2020, Kirk Ferentz tested positive for COVID-19.

2022: Inconsistent Season and Music City Bowl Victory

In 2022, Iowa's offense struggled significantly, leading to a 3-4 start. Despite the challenges, they had a chance to play in the Big Ten Championship but missed it after a loss to Nebraska. Iowa won the Music City Bowl against Kentucky. The 21-0 victory marked the second bowl shutout produced by the Hawkeyes in school history.

2023: Big Ten West Title and Citrus Bowl Loss

The 2023 season was similar to 2021, with Iowa starting 6-1. Dominant defense and special teams led to Ferentz's third Big Ten West title, but they lost to Michigan in the championship game and suffered a 35-0 loss in the Citrus Bowl to Tennessee.

2024: Close Losses and Milestone Win for Ferentz

The 2024 campaign was marked by close losses, with three of the five defeats decided by a field goal. Despite the setbacks, Iowa won three trophy contests. Kirk Ferentz moved into second all-time for wins as a Big Ten coach with a victory over Washington.