Ferentz Connected to NFL Job…Again
It’s bowl season, which has typically meant at least two things in Iowa; the Hawkeyes are in a bowl and Kirk Ferentz’s name is being attached to at least one NFL head coaching job.
This year, the Hawkeyes are not in a bowl, the first time since 2000 they were not bowl eligible and just the second time since then that they missed out on a bowl game after a disappointing 4-8 2012 season.
Yet Ferentz’s name is being linked to at least one job, as of Sunday morning.
NFL Network Reporter Albert Breer tweeted the following items:
If Pioli gets another chance in KC, it could be w/the coach he wanted all along – Kirk Ferentz. Again, nothing completely certain there yet.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 30, 2012
On Ferentz, he’s wanted to coach his sons through Iowa. His youngest, Steve, is a freshman. But his job security could influence a move.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 30, 2012
As we said earlier this AM, expect Kirk Ferentz to be a candidate in KC, if things go down as expected. Pioli tried to get Ferentz in ’09.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) December 30, 2012
Here is Breer’s ‘bio’ that he shares on his twitter page: ”Reporter, NFL Network. Alum of The Ohio State University and Lincoln-Sudbury R.H.S. Former Patriots (2005-07), Cowboys (2007-08) beat guy, too.”
So you can take that for what it’s worth, along with the dozens of other Ferentz to the NFL ‘reports’ we’ve heard through the years that have turned out to be false.
That said, there is one big difference this time around than before; this isn’t a leverage play by his agent to perhaps get his client more money out of Iowa. I am not saying that Kirk’s agent (Neil Cornrich) has been doing that over the years but I am guessing there was some of that at some point in time. There’s nothing wrong with that, either; it’s business.
This time, it can’t be about that as Ferentz doesn’t have any leverage on Iowa other than his contract with the University. My guess is that will be the last contract he has with Iowa, at least in the capacity as it’s head coach. It’s a phenomenal contract for him, one of the best in the sport from the perspective of a coach.
As far as how the fans and others see it? Not such a good contract because Iowa has absolutely no leverage and zero protection going the other way if Ferentz ever wanted to leave to say, the NFL. It’s a one-sided deal, as best as I can tell. If you spot language in it that protects Iowa’s interests, other than the amazing guarantees to Ferentz which meant he’d likely never get a better deal with ‘less entanglements’ in any other location be it college or pro, let me know.
As for Breer’s reporting here, let’s analyze the hypothetical of ‘Would Ferentz be interested in this job at this time?’
Scott Pioli is Kansas City’s GM and he’s been under a lot of pressure this year. First year head coach Romeo Crennel has been a disaster and most pundits believe he will be fired. If he is, will Pioli remain as GM? The Hunt Family, owners of the Chiefs, are a very conservative bunch so it wouldn’t surprise me.
Ferentz and Pioli have a very close relationship, but would Ferentz want to leave the amazing, one-sided contract he has with Iowa that guarantees him roughly $2.7 million per year through 2020 as long as he plays by the rules (which he does) for the mess that is the Kansas City Chiefs? Add to that the uncertainty as to whom he would be working for, if Pioli were let go after taking the job?
In my opinion, the rumors of Bill Polian taking over as Chiefs GM might make more sense related to Ferentz then having an interest in that job. He and Polian have a relationship, too and while not as cuddly as the one he has with Pioli, Ferentz would likely know who his boss would be for the long term.
Also, Ferentz wouldn’t leave Iowa for the NFL unless he had at minimum of $20 million guaranteed for the next five years or so. He’s going to make $3.8 million in 2013 and I think he’ll be Iowa’s coach in 2014 at a minimum so there is another $3.8. If Iowa made a move after that season, it would be $2.7 times six years. Add those numbers up and you’re looking at $23.8 million coming to Ferentz at a minimum for the next eight years as long as he is Iowa’s head coach in 2013 and 2014, which he will be.
To get five years and $20 million guaranteed is a better deal, time wise, than eight years and $23.8 million for a guy who is 58 years old, who has pocketed a ton of money already and who may not want to be a lifer in the coaching industry. Could Ferentz demand that type of paycheck in the NFL?
All this said, I don’t buy it. Kirk’s son Brian just left the New England Patriots to become Iowa’s Offensive Line coach less than one year ago. Kirk’s youngest son Steven has four years remaining in the program.
Do you think Kirk is going to walk away from that on top of the contract that he has with Iowa, for an NFL franchise in complete and utter disarray?
Some might say the Iowa program is in disarray right now, but Kirk has far more control and ‘power’ at Iowa than he would in the NFL. I have a great deal of respect for Kirk and the kind of man he is and what he and his wife have done and still do for the state of Iowa community. That said, he is keenly aware of what is written and said about him and I think it’s safe to say he’s not too fond of the media in general.
The concentration of focus, speculation, criticism, etc at the NFL level, even in a ‘soft’ media market like Kansas City, dwarfs the fiefdom he has in Iowa City. I say ‘soft’ in KC as they are more forgiving. I’ve lived there, I worked with some of the people who are still in the talk radio scene down there and I still follow many of the writers and radio shows there. It’s not New York, Chicago or Philadelphia, but it makes the respectful climate of the Iowa media room look like a ‘Survivor’ Tribal Counsel session on night number one.
It took me 15 minutes to write this item and that’s about all the thought I am going to give to this topic; I don’t buy it and would only believe it if I see it happen. Or as they say down there in Kansas City, Missouri; Show Me.
Then again, back in late 2002, Kirk Ferentz said the following at a press conference when asked about the NFL speculation:
Ferentz will turn 58 in 2013.
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I don’t care what any of you say, Ferentz is a great coach and it would be a HUGE loss for the Hawkeyes. Ferentz has built our program into one of the most respected programs in college football. KIRK, PLEASE STAY!!!!
Great coaches compete for championships on a regular basis. A respected program is one that plays in major bowl games year in and year out and competes for championships. Sorry, but Kirk is not a great coach and Iowa is far from a respected program. Keep drinking your Hawkeye kool aid.
I have conflicted feelings, but if Ferentz leaves, so be it. I am not confident enough to say Ferentz’s best seasons are behind him. But, I would be lying if I said that did not concern me. The basketball program has proven how vulnerable Iowa is with new hires. However, Ferentz leaving may be a blessing if Iowa can get out of that contract. I think in an ideal situation, Ferentz would have 2-3 more years to prove if he can still win. But that’s irrelevant due to his guaranteed money. Many on here might say that Ferentz deserves better than that, but my opinion is more level-headed than the many fans who want him out now.
Hayden Fry stayed around too long and Iowa was lucky to have Ferentz there to rebuild. I realize the irony in this point, but Ferentz could be in that stage of his career too, only he has even more clout due to his contract. I am also not sure the recruiting has been good enough to suggest things will get much better. Before this sounds too panicky, I will say that I do want Ferentz around next year and I will be surprised if the Hawks are not at .500 or above next season. But if Ferentz leaves, it’s great that Iowa has that contract off the books.
I really wouldn’t be sad if he left, but I’m not really hoping he leaves, I still for whatever reason have faith that he can get this thing turned around. As for the Chiefs, there is no way, mark it down, 0% chance that the Chiefs hire him. The Hunts would not be able to justify it to their fan base (who resides in the same geographic location as the Iowa footprint).
Kirk was good for Iowa. I think he is just overmatched. Nick Saben did the best by moving from the Big Ten. Now look at him? He was a joke at Mich State!!!! I live in Baton Rouge and have talked to many players and coaches. I love my Hawks…..but unless they recruit uuuummmm…..faster humans…..they willl get rolled. and now we rollo to basketball…….basketball team looks fast and bad…get that under control and we might get to the NIT…….we will seee
Hawk fan in Louisiana
Speed kills. Brains dont.
I did not inticipate ever seeing a year this bad, but this is the coach that has 4 top 10 finishes in an 8 year span. I watch games with friends that don’t understand the difference between this offense and the previous one. Many people see the lack of success as being the same as before without realizing that none of Iowas previous talent could have won with this sceme.
all we need is every 5 star recruit out of the state of texas to make this thing work (this offense will not work at Iowa) if i was being to subtle. I know there was alot to bitch about kok, but it was alot more about play calling than scheme in my view, if this new offense stays in place Iowa will never be any good
I want to apoligize about my comment about Iowa never being good with this new offense, just because i hope i’m wrong. I WILL NEVER NOT BE A HAWKEYE!
Nobody in their right mind is going to hire a coach who’s record is going down the toilet quickly.