Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz won't return in 2024 - ESPN

Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz, the son of longtime coach Kirk Ferentz whose contract amid the offense's historic struggles drew national attention, will not return for the 2024 season.

Interim athletic director Beth Goetz, who supervises Brian Ferentz because of nepotism laws, made the announcement Monday after discussing the situation with Brian Ferentz, Kirk Ferentz and university president Barbara Wilson. In a statement, Goetz noted that Iowa's struggles on offense this season, combined with Ferentz's contract situation, created «a unique situation» for the program.

The Hawkeyes did not play last week and are set to face Northwestern on Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago.

«Making this known today is in the best interest of the program and its loyal fans; it provides clarity during this pivotal time in the schedule,» Goetz said in the statement.

«It is not my practice to be involved in assistant coaching decisions and certainly not to make public such a change during a season. Our priority is to put all our student-athletes in the best position to have both short-term and long-term success, on and off the field. Our football team has a group of outstanding young men and talented athletes, who at 6-2, have a lot to play for. As a former athlete, I know every opportunity to put on the jersey is a cherished one.»

Ferentz, the oldest son of Kirk Ferentz and a former offensive lineman at Iowa, has served as the team's offensive coordinator since 2017 and has been on his father's staff since 2012. In February, Iowa announced contract amendments for him that included an unusual points-per-game provision — the team would need to average 25 points per game during the 2023 season and win at least seven games for