I know many are assuming that Brian Ferentz is they guy being groomed to take over, but my guess is that if an internal hire is made to replace KF, it will be Phil Parker.
We know KF is fiercely loyal, and Parker has been with Iowa for 20 years. We know Phil would like a chance at a head coaching gig (see quote from presser). Parker has been involved with Iowa's most successful unit, and he has coordinated it for 7+ years, showing some adaptability within his system and the ability to get guys to perform at All-B1G levels year after year.
I am not saying KF is above nepotistic tendencies (his son was promoted to OC at a P5 school with a very thin resume, comparatively), but I don't see him doing one of his long-time colleagues like that by endorsing Brian as his successor over Parker. I am also guessing that a Brian promotion might result in the loss of Parker, the leader of your most successful unit. On the flip side, a Parker promotion would still leave Brain waiting in the wings (he is 35 years old to Parker's 55); and if Brian decided to go elsewhere to get a head coach crack, he could make his mistakes at another school and still come back to Iowa down the road if he proves himself.
Anyone else feel this way? How do we feel about head coach Phil Parker?
We know KF is fiercely loyal, and Parker has been with Iowa for 20 years. We know Phil would like a chance at a head coaching gig (see quote from presser). Parker has been involved with Iowa's most successful unit, and he has coordinated it for 7+ years, showing some adaptability within his system and the ability to get guys to perform at All-B1G levels year after year.
I am not saying KF is above nepotistic tendencies (his son was promoted to OC at a P5 school with a very thin resume, comparatively), but I don't see him doing one of his long-time colleagues like that by endorsing Brian as his successor over Parker. I am also guessing that a Brian promotion might result in the loss of Parker, the leader of your most successful unit. On the flip side, a Parker promotion would still leave Brain waiting in the wings (he is 35 years old to Parker's 55); and if Brian decided to go elsewhere to get a head coach crack, he could make his mistakes at another school and still come back to Iowa down the road if he proves himself.
Anyone else feel this way? How do we feel about head coach Phil Parker?