Dec. 9, 2003
Listen to today’s edition of Inside Iowa
Fans of the University of Iowa football program have come to expect three things during the month of December:
First, Christmas is a sure thing…like clockwork…every December 25th the man in the red suit comes calling.
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“It’s flattering. And, of course, it causes quite a stir among our fans, friends and recruits. But at this particular moment I can’t imagine coaching anywhere but at Iowa.”
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz
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Second, an invitation to a bowl game. That’s become a common occurrence for the Hawkeyes – like this year and Iowa’s date with Florida in the 2004 Outback Bowl. And, fans of the Hawkeyes like bowl games just about as much as they like the guy in the red suit.
And third, Kirk Ferentz will be rumored for one, two, and, just maybe, three new job opportunities.
Frustrating for the black-and-gold faithful? Yes.
Cause for concern? No.
“It’s a by-product of our success, I guess,” said Ferentz in characteristic ‘matter of fact’ fashion. “It’s flattering. And, of course, it causes quite a stir among our fans, friends and recruits. But at this particular moment I can’t imagine coaching anywhere but at Iowa.”
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“We have something pretty special going on here. It’s going to be interesting to see just how far we can take it.”
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz
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Ferentz said there are many reasons why he believes Iowa City will remain his mailing address for the foreseeable future.
“We have something pretty special going on here. It’s going to be interesting to see just how far we can take it,” said the 2002 Big Ten Coach of the Year.
“We also have some great young men currently in our program, a tremendous coaching staff, outstanding facilities, a strong commitment from our University and athletic administration, and fans that I believe compare favorably with any in the nation,” Ferentz said, adding that he’s also very excited about the upcoming renovation of historic Kinnick Stadium, the 70,000-seat home of the Hawkeyes.
“Add to the mix, on a very personal level, that my family loves living in Iowa, I enjoy where I work, who I work with, and what I’m doing. It should be pretty easy to understand why I don’t really have any desire to look elsewhere.”
Ferentz said rumors about other career opportunities do create waves that require some extra attention.
“Without a doubt, it’s a hurdle we’re required to clear during the recruiting process,” he said, adding that rumors are often presented as fact which, Ferentz said, is an unfortunate by-product of the college football recruiting process.
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“We address (rumors) early on in the recruiting process and move on to the more important things like the quality education a young man has the opportunity to receive at the University of Iowa and the quality experience of being a member of the Iowa football family.”
Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz
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“But, as I’ve said before, we address it early on in the recruiting process and move on to the more important things like the quality education a young man has the opportunity to receive at the University of Iowa and the quality experience of being a member of the Iowa football family,” Ferentz said, before adding,
“And, of course, we also like to talk about the opportunity for a young man to be a part of something very special that is at the same time both ‘intimate’ – because that’s what the Iowa City community and its people are all about – and ‘Big Time’ – because, after all, we’re a part of the Big Ten, so we play on some of the largest stages in college football.”
Sounds like a guy who likes Christmas, bowl games and his home in the heartland.