Following an undefeated regular season that culminated in losses in the Rose Bowl and Big Ten Championship game, the University of Iowa announced a 10-year contract extension for head football coach Kirk Ferentz, that will also include a salary increase to $4.5 million dollars per year.
The announcement was made on Sept. 6 by UI Director of Athletics Gary Barta. “I’ve said it many times, I would like Kirk to retire as a Hawkeye, and this contract is a strong statement toward that commitment,” said Barta.
Ferentz is proud to keep his position on the gridiron and maintain the high standard he has set forth for the Hawkeyes: “I am pleased and proud to continue as head coach of the University of Iowa football team through 2026. It is a tremendous privilege and responsibility to lead the Iowa football program … I appreciate the trust and confidence demonstrated by Athletic Director Gary Barta and President Bruce Harreld.”
According to The Fiscal Times, this new contract makes Ferentz the eigth highest-paid college football coach in the NCAA, which moves him up from last year’s 14th place ranking. Ferentz is also set to continue his role as the highest-paid Iowa government employee, according to the Iowa Department of Administrative Services.
With the extension, Ferentz will be 71 years old during the last year of his contract.
