Coaches don’t stick around for 26 years without being able to effectively navigate the highs and lows of a season.
Historically, the Hawkeyes have done a pretty good job of responding to adversity throughout Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz’s tenure.
After Saturday’s 20-19 loss versus Iowa State, the Hawkeyes will need to channel some of that history for the remaining 10 games of the season.
On Tuesday, as Ferentz and the Hawkeyes ready to return to the field versus Troy on Saturday from Kinnick Stadium, Iowa’s head coach discussed why resiliency has been a staple of the program and what has allowed the Hawkeyes to respond positively in the past.
“It’s really pretty simple. And, unfortunately, I got to live it. When you’re a 1-10 record, owner of a 1-10 record as a head coach—we always get associated with our records—or 2-18, that’s a rough way to start.
“So, you know, at that point you just believe in what you believe in. You’re always looking at what you believe in and trying to get better at it, and what do we need to adjust, what do we need to do? Where does the attention need to be? Ultimately, at some point, you’ve got to believe in something. You stick to your beliefs and then you just try to do better at what you do believe in,” Ferentz said.
The ability to keep moving forward and not dwell on a bad result has been one of the hallmarks of Iowa’s program. The Hawkeyes expect to be able to do the same now.
“I think all of us in this building feel like we know what we need to do to be successful and really it’s more about the doing. So, it’s being honest about what’s in front of us and what did we do, how do we learn from that? I think the single biggest thing, and being in pro football probably helped me learn this better, is you’ve got to move on. Like, you just can’t waste time looking backwards.
“You can on Sunday, that’s fine. But when Monday morning comes, boy, you better be looking at the next opportunity or you’ll be behind your opponent. It’s easier said than done, I can put it that way,” Ferentz said.
Ferentz noted that Iowa shifting its practice schedule has actually assisted in the Hawkeyes not letting adversity linger.
“One thing, when we switched our practice schedules, back after the ’14 season, the ’15 year, it forces us now. We’re on the field Monday morning, so we have to move on.
“It’s hard on the coaching staff Sunday to practice Monday, but the good news is we’re all moving on because there’s no time to be dwelling on things or how we feel. Forget about that right now. Let’s get it going here on the next one,” Ferentz said.
Iowa will look to turn the page on Saturday at 3 p.m. as it welcomes Troy to Kinnick Stadium.
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