July 20, 2009
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IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kirk Ferentz will enter his 20th year as a member of the staff of the University of Iowa with a signed contract as the head coach of the UI football team through the 2015 season. The UI announced in April it had come to agreement with Ferentz on the terms of a new seven-year agreement. That contract was signed last week.
“It has been said many times before and I’m pleased to say it again: Kirk Ferentz is a perfect fit for the University of Iowa, the community, and the state. He’s considered one of the best football coaches in the country, he has incredible integrity, he cares deeply about our University and our state, and he’s a proven winner at Iowa,” said Gary Barta, the UI’s director of athletics.
Barta said Ferentz, who will begin his 11th season as head coach of the Hawkeyes on Sept. 5 when Iowa entertains intrastate rival Northern Iowa at Kinnick Stadium, continues to provide the UI and its football program continuity in leadership that is the envy of his peers. The Hawkeyes have had two head football coaches during the past 30 years — Hall of Fame head coach Hayden Fry and Ferentz — and between them Iowa has won five Big Ten Conference championships, participated in 21 postseason bowl games, and won 140 games against league opponents.
Iowa, Michigan and Ohio State are the only teams in the league to have a winning record against Big Ten opponents during the past 30 years.
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“It has been said many times before and I’m pleased to say it again: Kirk Ferentz is a perfect fit for the University of Iowa, the community, and the state. He’s considered one of the best football coaches in the country, he has incredible integrity, he cares deeply about our University and our state, and he’s a proven winner at Iowa.”
Gary Barta
UI director of athletics |
The continuity in leadership has also resulted in success in the classroom for the student-athletes who participate in football at the UI. According to statistics released last October by the NCAA, Iowa’s federal graduation rate of 62 percent and its Graduation Success Rate (GSR) of 75 percent were better than the averages of 56 and 67 percent, respectively, posted by its peers nationally. In addition, Iowa’s GSR of 75 ranked third among teams included in last year’s final Top 25.
As noted earlier this spring, the annual salary and performance bonuses Ferentz will receive under the new contract are no different than what he was to receive previously. His annual salary remains at $3.02 million. Under the new agreement, Ferentz will have access to private plane transportation for up to 35 hours of personal use annually. The estimated cost associated with this benefit could be as much as $85,000. As is the case with all expenses of the UI Athletics Department, no tax dollars will be used; the Department will pay for this benefit with contributions to the National I-Club.
“Kirk is well compensated. He’s earned that opportunity, but he’s also greatly appreciative,” said Barta. “While we haven’t given him a raise the past three years and there isn’t one in the new agreement, access to a plane provides a form of compensation that recognizes the extreme time demands placed on him throughout the year. It’s a 24/7 job. This is one way to reduce some of the stress this position places on his personal and family life.”