Brian Ferentz Sticking with Game Plan

Iowa Offensive Coordinator Believes in Hawkeye Method

Brian Ferentz understands the questions, and the criticism, of Iowa’s offense.

He understands the criticism of his performance as the Hawkeyes’ offensive coordinator.

But when Ferentz met with the media on Thursday in advance of Saturday’s open practice at Kinnick Stadium to conclude the spring practice schedule, he echoed what his father, Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, has been saying about the Hawkeyes’ offense.

“We’re going to do the same things we do, and we’re going to do them better,” Brian Ferentz said.

The numbers from last season are pretty much burned into the minds of everyone who follows the Hawkeyes — they ranked 129th in total offense, 122nd in passing offense and scoring offense, and 123rd in rushing offense.

But Ferentz said there doesn’t need to be a change in philosophy.

“My job is to help us win football games,” he said. “We have a tried-and-true method. We know how we win. We know who we are. My job is to make sure we play to those strengths, and then on Saturday we’re winning games, not losing.”

The struggles, though, were enough that stipulations were put into Brian Ferentz’s contract by athletics director Gary Barta, including one that the Hawkeyes had to average at least 25 points per game this season.

Ferentz, though, said he wasn’t thinking about the stipulations when it came to his approach.

“That’s a fair question,” Ferentz said. “And the answer is no. I’m going to approach my job the same way I’ve approached it for 11 years. The reason that I’m at the University of Iowa, the reason I coach here, is because I care about this program, and I care about the people in this building. I have one responsibility and that is to help them win football games. That’s it. That’s how I’m going to approach my job.”

There is reason to think Iowa’s offense is going to be better this season just because of changes in personnel. Cade McNamara transferred from Michigan to be the Hawkeyes’ starting quarterback, replacing three-year starter Spencer Petras. Iowa also added tight end Erick All, another Michigan transfer. The offensive line is older and will have more experience, and running back Kaleb Johnson is coming off a strong freshman season.

“We’ve got a brand-new opportunity,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz likes McNamara’s approach to the position, although he’s been limited to just 7-on-7 work as he recovers from a knee injury that required surgery last season.

“I think the guys in our room understand that Cade’s the starter,” Ferentz said. “He may not have gotten all of the reps right now, but I can tell you from his actions on a daily basis since he got here, he’s established himself as that person.

“He’s a tough guy. He’s physically tough. He’s mentally tough. And more than that, he’s an ultra-competitive person. I don’t know how you describe leadership — you know it when you see it. Certain people just radiate leadership. Cade’s that type of person.”

Even if Iowa’s offense does improve, the points number will hang over the Hawkeyes all season, but Ferentz said he isn’t thinking about that.

Ferentz was given a situation from last year, when Iowa beat Wisconsin 24-10. The Hawkeyes had a chance for more points after recovering a fumble at the Badgers’ 22-yard line with 2:16 left in the game, but chose to run out the clock.

Would Ferentz elect to add on points?

“That’s probably a better question for the head coach,” Ferentz said. “I’m not interested in that, and I could care less. If this is my last year of being the offensive coordinator of Iowa football, I’m at peace with that.

“And if we’re beating Wisconsin 24-10 with 30 seconds left, you bet your ass I’ll be at peace with that.”