Kirk Ferentz isn’t going anywhere - at least not yet.
Speaking at a press conference on December 3, the longtime Iowa head coach confirmed he plans to return for what will be his 28th season leading the Hawkeyes in 2026. And in classic Ferentz fashion, he delivered the news with a touch of dry humor.
“’26? That’s next year, right?”
Ferentz joked when asked about his future. “God, I hope so.
I mean, unless you know something I don’t know.”
The press conference was primarily focused on Iowa’s 2026 recruiting class, but naturally, questions about Ferentz’s longevity came up - and he didn’t shy away from them. His message to recruits wondering how long he plans to stick around? Straightforward and honest.
“I just tell them the truth. I feel really good,” Ferentz said.
“I had no idea what it feels like to be 70, and now I do. However many months it’s been.
And it doesn’t feel any different than when I was 60.”
That’s vintage Ferentz - grounded, self-aware, and not one to overdramatize. He made it clear that, physically and mentally, he’s still all-in. And yes, he has the green light from his wife to keep coaching - an important detail he made sure to include with a smile.
“This is what I like doing. I really enjoy doing it,” he said.
“I don’t envision stopping anytime in the near future. It’s what I do.
I don’t golf, and when I did, I stunk. So I don’t see going back to that.”
Ferentz’s legacy is already cemented. With a 212-128 career record, he’s the winningest coach in Big Ten history - a title that carries serious weight in a conference that’s seen its share of legends. And while Iowa’s offense has taken its fair share of criticism in recent years, the program continues to win, grind, and stay true to its identity under his leadership.
This season, the Hawkeyes wrapped up the regular season at 8-4. Not flashy, but effective - very much in line with the Ferentz-era blueprint. They'll find out their bowl destination and opponent on Sunday, December 7.
For now, there’s no farewell tour, no dramatic exit plan. Just a coach who still loves the game, still connects with players, and still believes in what he’s building in Iowa City.
And as long as that remains true - and the golf game stays bad - Kirk Ferentz isn’t going anywhere.