Tag: Kirk Ferentz

In-helmet communication, sideline tablets ‘all positive’ for Iowa football

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz said in-helmet communication and sideline tablets have been “all positive” in his estimation.

For the first time in college football history, teams are able to use in-helmet communication and sideline tablets to view in-game video.

The in-helmet radio allows coaches to communicate directly with one player on the field designated with the green dot on the middle of their helmet. Coach-to-player communications are shut off with 15 seconds left on the play clock or at the snap of the ball, whichever comes first.

Teams also have the ability to view in-game video from the broadcast feed and camera angles from the coach’s sideline and coach’s end zone. Teams can have up to 18 active tablets for use in the coaching booth, sideline and locker room.

On Tuesday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was asked how integrating the new technology has gone for the Hawkeyes.

“Sounds like there were a problem or two with the tablets, like a play or two off schedule were missing. But overall, it’s a real positive. And the coach-to-player thing is a real positive, too.

“It’s kind of what we expected based on practice, but, yeah, I think it’s all positive. And I don’t have many suggestions in that way. We’re just trying to figure out how to score a touchdown when we got the ball inside the 5. That’s more important right now,” Ferentz said.

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Kirk Ferentz details why Iowa football has displayed resiliency over his tenure

Iowa teams responding to adversity has been a hallmark of the Kirk Ferentz era of Hawkeye football.

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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Kirk Ferentz shares first reaction to Tim Lester offense

Kirk Ferentz shared his first impressions of the Tim Lester offense in game action.

Like the two offseasons before it, the biggest story and question surrounding Iowa football following the conclusion of 2023 was how much could its offense improve?

The Hawkeyes hired former Western Michigan head coach and Green Bay Packers analyst Tim Lester as its new offensive coordinator to replace Brian Ferentz.

The first impression of Iowa’s new offense under Lester was a great one. Though it took a half to get going, Iowa racked up its best offensive output since its Sept. 28, 2019 win over Middle Tennessee. Iowa’s 492 yards of total offense in its 40-0 shutout victory over Illinois State was the Hawkeyes’ most in a season opener since compiling 593 yards against Akron in 2002.

It was also the best offensive output in an OC’s debut with the Hawkeyes dating back to 1979.

After taking in Iowa’s season opener on TV from home, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz shared his first thoughts on what he saw from Lester’s offense during his Tuesday press conference.

“Yeah, it felt a lot better watching, from where I was watching. Life was a lot better in the second half. Again, that’s the study in offense. Execution is a huge part of the game. It takes a lot of concentration, a lot of detail.

“I think one thing for sure, the penalty situation did impact us in the first half. Second thing, we didn’t really throw or catch. The throws weren’t always accurate. Then we made some of those throws in the second half, and we caught the ball well. It gives you a chance to get going. Then the run game was a little cleaner and crisper. Those are things you go through,” Ferentz said.

Iowa totaled 345 yards of offense in the second half. Junior running back Kaleb Johnson accumulated 119 rushing yards with a pair of scores after halftime.

“We’re going to go through a series of things over the course of the season. As much as you try in camp and you try to put the guys in pressure situations and create things and all that, it’s not the same as playing the game. Until you get in the game, you don’t know how individuals are going to perform or how they’re going to play, and then the other component is just the same thing to be said about your team, you just don’t know how they’re going to respond to those situations. We’ll have a bunch of them here in the next 11 games out there. You just don’t know what they are.

“But the biggest takeaway for me was the guy our guys stuck together. They kept a good attitude. I’m not so sure how many adjustments got made at halftime, but we just made a little cleaner in that second half. Then when you do that, you give yourself a chance for some success,” Ferentz said.

One of the most encouraging signs for the Hawkeyes was what Iowa found in the passing game. After throwing just three touchdown passes to wide receivers in all of 2023, Iowa matched that feat in its opener.

True freshman wide receiver Reece Vander Zee caught a pair of touchdowns and junior transfer receiver Jacob Gill from Northwestern also added a touchdown grab.

“Yeah, it’s encouraging. It’s a combination of a lot of things. I think the line, we’re a little bit more veteran up there. I thought the guys overall protected pretty well. It didn’t seem like that was an issue at all for us, so that was helpful.

“Cade working through his leave of absence for a while, going through that, and now he’s on a little bit of a sabbatical, medical sabbatical, so working through. And then the receivers did a good job for the most part going and getting the ball, running good routes, things like that.

“So good combination, and some of those plays that Cade made were under duress, not necessarily because of a breakdown, but those guys blitzed a lot, had free rushers come. I thought he handled that situation well, too. We got plenty of blitz practice on Saturday, no question,” Ferentz said.

The early returns on the new-look Iowa offense under Lester are positive. The Hawkeyes will look to keep the offensive momentum rolling in Week 2 as the Iowa State Cyclones arrive to Kinnick Stadium for a 2:30 p.m. CT kickoff on CBS.

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Kirk Ferentz describes experience of watching Iowa football on TV from home

It had to be so strange for Kirk Ferentz.

Kirk Ferentz had a front row seat for Iowa versus Illinois State in the 2024 season opener.

Unlike the 25 season openers before it, though, it wasn’t a front row seat at Kinnick Stadium as the Hawkeyes‘ head coach on the sidelines. Instead, it was a front row seat at home watching Iowa on TV.

Alongside Iowa wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr, Ferentz served a self-imposed one-game suspension stemming from recruiting violations that occurred in late 2022.

In his weekly press conference on Tuesday, Ferentz described what the surreal experience was like.

“There was no tailgate. Actually, I had a grandson in the house. So, got up, had two scrambled eggs. Nothing too dramatic. Just kinda killed time. Did that moreso with him. But, when the game started, it’s different watching it on TV. It’s really different. You can see better. That’s one thing. I had a nice surface to write on, which was the second thing. So, I guess those are two upgrades.

“But, outside of that, there wasn’t much good about it. It’s sterile, and you’re pretty much helpless. Not that I do a lot during games anyway. I’m not playing. But, you have a total feeling of disconnection, so it was really strange,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz was asked later what he felt he missed the most while away from the Hawkeyes’ sideline.

“It’s just a totally different experience. You feel totally disconnected. I thought about that a little bit. Like if I were retired, the difference is you’re not invested the way you are if you work here every day and are with the guys every day.

“The closest thing would be like one of our kids’ games. You’re kind of invested. You’re a parent, but it’s still not the same as when you coach and work with people on a daily basis in a really intimate environment. And that’s what we get to enjoy, and that’s the best part of coaching is just that. The times when we get to shut the door and just do what we do or practice and all those kinds of things.

“When you have that, then it’s really strange to be disconnected. It was code of silence on Saturday. Left the hotel Friday night, which was strange, and then sleep in your own bed that night, that’s strange. And then basically wasn’t sure what to do all morning, and then the game came, and then I really wasn’t sure what to do at halftime, so it was kind of interesting,” Ferentz said.

Ultimately, acting head coach Seth Wallace and the Hawkeyes held up their end of the bargain and took care of business in a 40-0 shutout victory over Illinois State.

It’s safe to say that Ferentz isn’t looking to miss out on any more games any time soon, though.

“But, it all worked out. And then it’s even stranger after the game because either it’s a really good time emotionally or a bad time, and those highs and lows make it really special, so you miss out on all those things.

“It wasn’t the same seeing everybody on Sunday. It’s just that time gap in there. It’s a little bit different. It’s over, and hopefully something I’ll never experience again. We’ll see how it all goes,” Ferentz said.

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Kirk Ferentz comments on TJ Hall winning Iowa’s starting CB job

TJ Hall won the second starting CB job, but it sounds like this battle could continue into the start of the 2024 season.

One of the most hotly contested competitions in the lead-up to Iowa’s season opener against Illinois State has been at cornerback.

Graduate cornerback Jermari Harris was penciled in as a returning starter for the Hawkeyes given his 18 career starts and 12 starts in the 2023 season. Harris, a 6-foot-1, 189 pound cornerback, has registered 78 tackles, 17 passes defensed, five interceptions and 2.5 tackles for loss during his Iowa career.

Iowa still had a battle to sort out opposite Harris, though.

On Monday, junior TJ Hall was listed as the starting cornerback opposite Harris, winning the opening-day nod over sophomores Deshaun Lee and John Nestor.

Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz met with the media on Tuesday to preview the Hawkeyes’ season opener versus Illinois State and discussed why Hall earned the starting job.

“Probably just a little bit of consistency, and it’s gone back and forth. It’s a little bit like the running back position. Difference is most of those guys have been available, the four corners have been competing and practicing. So, probably a little consistency thing, but it’s still really close,” Ferentz said.

That’s in line with what Iowa defensive coordinator Phil Parker said last week about the cornerback position. Parker indicated that Iowa might play more bodies in its defensive backfield in 2024 and that the cornerback competition had been very tightly contested.

“Well, I think it’s really interesting. Jermari Harris has come back and the leadership that he’s brung and seeing TJ Hall grow and improve his standard of play. Nestor, he’s really doing a good job, very competitive out there and Deshaun Lee’s doing a heck of a job.

“So, I mean, it’s really interesting to see those four over there. One day one guy might have a better day than the other guy. It’s depending on what day and, at the point of attack, how productive are they? But, I think they’re all into it, they’re all working hard and you can see maybe playing more guys in the back end if you have to,” Parker said.

Based on Parker’s comments last week and Ferentz’s remarks on Tuesday, it feels like Hall, Lee and Nestor will all get a look at corner and that this could still be an ongoing competition into the 2024 season.

“We have a lot of positions right now where we’ve got to start somewhere Saturday and start somewhere this week when we practice with our first team. But I will say this, it won’t surprise me, especially in certain groups, where it may take a month to figure out where we’re at.

“And I say that in a positive way because I think we have a lot of young guys right now that we’re going to learn a lot more about them. John Nestor’s a good example. He hasn’t played an awful lot. We’ve seen him on special teams. So, to see him in game action, I think we’ll learn a lot about him. I think our receiver room’s a lot like that. The back thing will probably sort itself out, but I think we’ve got guys that are capable. That’s part of the process as we move forward and just it’ll be interesting to see what it looks here six weeks from now as opposed to just this Saturday,” Ferentz said.

Iowa’s season opens on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. from Kinnick Stadium as the Hawkeyes play host to Illinois State with the game broadcast on Big Ten Network.

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Kirk Ferentz details Kamari Moulton’s ascension to No. 1 RB

Kirk Ferentz detailed how and why Kamari Moulton has ascended to No. 1 on the Iowa football running back depth chart.

The biggest head turner in Iowa’s initial depth chart reveal was redshirt freshman Kamari Moulton as the Hawkeyes’ No. 1 running back.

Moulton carried 27 times for 93 rushing yards with two scores last season. The 5-foot-9, 197 pound running back from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., has been one of the Hawkeyes’ fast risers dating back to last December.

On Tuesday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz discussed Moulton’s rapid ascension and detailed how Moulton has earned the Hawkeyes’ top spot on the running back depth chart.

Senior running back Leshon Williams, Iowa’s leading rusher in 2023, has been dealing with a nagging soft tissue injury throughout fall camp. Meanwhile, Moulton has made the most out of his opportunities.

“Yeah, I figured that might get everybody’s attention, but it’s more a byproduct of what’s going on. Two things really. Leshon’s missed some time. He’s had an injury that nagged pretty much throughout camp, so Kamari got a lot of work this August.

“The other component there is Kamari’s really done a nice job and I think I kind of mentioned that or alluded to that back in December even. He really started to look comfortable and did a lot of good things. Did a good job in the spring and has just been really consistent all the way through August. They’re all going to play, but he’s really done a nice job,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz also touched on where he’s seen the biggest jumps from Moulton.

“Probably confidence. He’s had a great attitude since he’s been here. He’s got good vision. He’s bigger and stronger physically than he was certainly a year ago, a year-plus ago when he got here. All that’s good. That’s one of the benefits of experience, so happy about that.

“He’s got a tremendous attitude, but he’s got real good vision, a good ability to see things maybe that other guys can’t see and that’s been pretty consistent. It really started showing in December when we were doing more work with the guys. He had been on scout team most of the time last year. It seemed like he was maybe a guy who could pop through here a little bit. I think he’s certainly done that in August,” Ferentz said.

Ferentz noted that Williams has been back working with the Hawkeyes for multiple weeks and that he feels Williams is ready for game action.

The Hawkeyes’ 26th-year head coach is anxious to see the entire group get their season underway and knows that Iowa could need all four or five of its top running backs.

“Leshon’s only been back maybe eight, 10 days and it looks like he’s good to go, but it was just, he had a really long, nagging injury that just took a while to get worked through. Happy he’s back. And the other guys have done a good job, too. Really, I feel pretty good about the group. Anxious to see them play and Kamari especially. We haven’t really seen him go in game activity…

“Again, I envision us playing a lot of the guys in the group. Max White’s done a good job, too. So, I feel like it’s a good group that way. We’ll just kind of see how it plays out as we keep going forward and history would say we can never have too many backs. That’s for sure,” Ferentz said.

Williams led Iowa with 821 rushing yards on 170 carries and one rushing touchdown last season. Junior Kaleb Johnson added 463 rushing yards on 117 rushes with three rushing scores and sophomore Jaziun Patterson tallied 206 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns on 58 totes.

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Kirk Ferentz dissects Xavier Nwankpa’s humility, development with Iowa football

As he faces five-star expectations, Xavier Nwankpa has been the model of humility.

One of the most highly-anticipated players on the Iowa Hawkeyes this year resides in the secondary. Safety Xavier Nwankpa enters his third season with the Hawkeyes and many believe this could be his breakout year.

The former five-star recruit in the class of 2022 chose the Hawkeyes over the likes of Notre Dame, Texas A&M, Ohio State, and Alabama. He came out of South East Polk High School in Pleasant Hill, Iowa as the No. 1 ranked safety and No. 25 overall recruit per 247Sports.

With that recruiting profile, expectations are bound to follow. Today, Kirk Ferentz was asked about how Xavier Nwankpa is handling those expectations and growing from them.

“He’s doing great. I know five stars and all of that. We don’t get a lot of those, but you would never know with him in the building, five star, three star, two star. He’s a quality young guy, first and foremost. Really does a nice job that way,” Ferentz said during his press conference about how Nwankpa carries himself.

“It’s been fun to watch him improve each and every turn, so he’s really doing well. He dealt with a little bit of an injury or medical situation during camp, so he missed some time. He’s not maybe as far along as he would be in normal circumstances but has done a really good job and expect him to have a really good year this year,” added Ferentz.

Listed as the starting safety once again this year, Nwankpa will rely on the experience he gained in 2023 when he started 12 games.

Through two years, Xavier Nwankpa has appeared in 26 games with 13 starts. He has 54 total tackles with 2 tackles for loss, 1 sack, 5 pass deflections, 2 interceptions, and 1 touchdown.

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Kirk Ferentz comments on Michigan football sign-stealing allegations

Kirk Ferentz commented on the Michigan football sign stealing allegations when asked at his press conference.

What once appeared to be fading into the background has been thrust into the spotlight once again. That would be the sign-stealing allegations that are currently pointed at the Michigan Wolverines football program.

This time, it involves the Iowa Hawkeyes and a game that took place against Michigan. In 2022, Michigan took down Iowa 27-14 in Kinnick Stadium. At the time, it wasn’t thought much of as Michigan was one of the top teams in the country.

Fast forward nearly two years and there is a different tune. Michigan has been in the spotlight for potential sign-stealing and an alleged scheme orchestrated by Connor Stalions to obtain opponents’ signals through in-person advanced scouting.

Stalions, a former staff member of the Wolverines’ football program under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, is the focal point of a Netflix documentary titled “Sign Stealer” that was released on Tuesday.

The documentary shed some light on the impact Stalions may have had on the game against Iowa.

“I actually got the game ball for the Iowa game in ’22 for deciphering signals. I’m the only one that has a game ball that says my name. Understanding coach Jim Harbaugh and his way of coaching, I think that, if anything, it’s like a ‘Hey, we see you. You’re doing a good job,'” Stalions said during the documentary.

Also on Tuesday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz was asked about Stalions receiving the game ball and was asked for his thoughts on the entire situation.

“It’s history. On that whole scenario, I never took too much time to worry about it,” Ferentz said in his press conference.

“Whatever happens happens. The appropriate parties will deal with it. Our eyes are forward right now. On that whole scenario, I never spent much time worrying too much about it. We got plenty to worry about right here. That’s kind of been my attitude. Thanks,” Ferentz said.

The NCAA last week sent Michigan a notice of allegations regarding prohibited off-campus signal stealing. According to the documentary, Stalions faces a three-year ban from coaching that he intends to challenge.

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Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz admitted to a recruiting violation that will sideline him for a game

Kirk Ferentz will serve a one-game suspension from Iowa for a recruiting violation.

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz has accepted his one-game suspension for a recruiting violation involving transfer quarterback Cade McNamara.

Ferentz and assistant Jon Budmayr will both miss the Aug. 31 contest against Illinois State, as the penalty has been self-imposed by Iowa. Assistant coach Seth Wallace will lead the program for that game.

“Iowa said the Level II violation occurred in late 2022 surrounding improper communication with a player and his family prior to him entering the portal. McNamara is not named in the school’s news release,” ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg reported.

“Ferentz and athletic director Beth Goetz agreed to the school-imposed penalty after a review and consulting with NCAA officials. The NCAA’s investigation is ongoing.”

Speaking with media on Thursday to discuss the suspension, Ferentz admitted to the recruiting violation and apologized for it.

“I’ve taught our players, you know, we abide by the rules, and in this specific case, I did not do that,” Ferentz said, per The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman. “I made a mistake during the recruiting process. I want to apologize to our players, coaching staff, university leadership and our incredible fans.”

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Kirk Ferentz confirms self-imposed suspension vs. Illinois State

Kirk Ferentz confirmed he and coach Jon Budmayr’s self-imposed one-game suspension. Seth Wallace will serve as acting head coach.

For the first time in 26 years, the Iowa Hawkeyes will have a different head coach to open a season.

That’s because Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr are indeed set to serve a one-game suspension in the season opener versus Illinois State on Aug. 31 from Kinnick Stadium.

Coach Ferentz and the University of Iowa confirmed that Ferentz and Budmayr will serve a self-imposed one-game suspension due to recruiting violations that occurred in late 2022.

Though graduate quarterback Cade McNamara was not mentioned by name in the UI release, an initial report from The Athletic’s Scott Dochterman said that the recruiting violation took place in the courting on McNamara from Michigan.

Following a thorough review and discussion with NCAA officials, Coach Ferentz and Athletic Director Beth Goetz recommended the self-imposed one-game suspension. Iowa’s self-imposed punishment also includes the loss of one week of off-campus recruiting to begin addressing the matter.

“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not. In 26 years as a head coach at Iowa—and more than four decades as a coach—this is my first potential Level II NCAA infraction. I made a mistake and would like to apologize to our players, University leadership, and our Hawkeye football fans. I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments,” Ferentz said in a statement.

Under the NCAA process, a program can self-impose penalties or wait until formal allegations are issued. The University of Iowa chose to self-impose punishments.

Goetz commented on the decision to proceed with the self-imposed punishments.

“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction. I appreciate the accountability demonstrated and we will continue to fully cooperate with the NCAA through this process. I have confidence in Coach Ferentz and his leadership, and we look forward to turning our focus to the opening game and exciting season that lies ahead,” Goetz said.

Until the University of Iowa receives formal notification from the NCAA that this matter has been closed, University officials will not be able to comment further.

Coaches Ferentz and Budmayr will participate in all team activities in the days leading up to the game but will step away from all duties for 24 hours beginning at 12:01 a.m. on Aug. 31. Both coaches will return to normal duties on Sept. 1 at 12:01 a.m. Assistant head coach Seth Wallace will serve as the acting head coach for the game.

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