College Football Coach Who Was Fired by His Father Finds New Job
There's an old adage about not working with family members due to the difficult conversations that could impact the relationship outside of work.
However, that sentiment didn't stop Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz from naming his son, Brian Ferentz, as the team's offensive coordinator in 2017. While Iowa has never been known for lighting up the scoreboard or fielding prolific offenses, the unit struggled mightily under the head coach's oldest son, who had been on staff since 2012.
In fact, prior to the 2023 season, Iowa unveiled a contract amendment for Brian Ferentz, which required the team to average 25 points per game during the 2023 season and win at least seven games for his two-year rolling contract to be reactivated beyond 2024. While Iowa was on pace to eclipse seven wins and finished with 10 wins, the offense ranked No. 118 in scoring at 19.5 points per game eight games into the season.
This mark led to the program's then-interim athletic director, Beth Goetz to announce that the younger Ferentz would not return for the 2024 season, per ESPN. Brian Ferentz spent the 2024 season as an offensive analyst for Maryland and, on Saturday, was announced to be taking a role with Fresno State.
Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz and Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz.
Joseph Cress/Iowa City Press-Citizen
As revealed in a report by FootballScoop's John Brice, Brian Ferentz was hired by new head coach Matt Entz and will have a "top offensive assistant" role. The report also revealed he is expected to coach tight ends.
Fresno State suffered its first sub-.500 season since 2019 after an eventful offseason. Long-time head coach Jeff Tedford stepped down in July due to health concerns, thrusting Tim Skipper into an interim role.
If all goes well, Brian Ferentz could be a part of the program as it leaps into the Pac-12 in 2026. Also, since a little more time has passed, maybe holidays with his father can be a bit less awkward over the whole firing situation.
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