Jon: What's your take on KF's mind set?

[DuffMan]

Jon,

You obviously spend more time with KF than the rest of us. What's your take on his current state of mind? He seems a little..... less reserved with the media you included this year. He seems a little more willing to give an undressing (by his standards) to folks who deserve it than he has in years past. Do you agree, and if so do you attribute it more to him being a little cranky? (who could blame him) Or is it more a situation where he just feels comfortable in his own skin and in his position where he can be a bit more open and honest?

 

[BSpringsteen]

Well it is the first time we've ever heard him admit that he doesn't live in a bubble and that he does read message boards etc...

I think it is hard for him to not look at this year as a huge missed opportunity, and that it is hard for him to not blame himself for why this is the case.

I think he knows that he had a special group this year and that some things didn't go his way but there will be a handful of people who will say, "Ferentz can only coach up, he can't win with the target on his back." That is a pretty damaging statement for his legacy.

Make no mistake about it, KF is a coach and all coaches are driven by ego to a certain extent. I think he really thought he had a great chance to tie Hayden for Big Ten Championships this year, and he knows these opportunities don't come around every year unless you are Ohio State.

 

[DuffMan]

I coudn't disagree more with your statment "all coaces are driven by ego to a certain extent". I'm in sales, and we do a lot of study on personaly types. Some folks are driven to be the best they can be regardless of peoples opinions of them. I think KF is one of them. He strikes me as the kind of guy who when he farts in an elevator he readily admits it was him even before anyone else smells it.

 

[Ronco]

Jon spends time with KF? Really? Do they have each other in their fave 5?

 

[BSpringsteen]

If you think KF is devoid of ego, I have some ocean front property on Melrose Ave to sell you.

And ego isn't a bad thing either.

 

[JonDMiller]

I dont think Kirk is any different than he has been in previous years where he is questioned, or when the team loses some games that hurt. He is just like the rest of us...none of us cares for that all that much, but Kirk pretty much always keeps his cool.

 

[JonDMiller]

Jon spends time with KF? Really? Do they have each other in their fave 5?

LOL. No, we don't. i see him at pressers and on the i-club circuit if I am emceeing an event and there is idle chit chat, but I dont know any media member that is tight with him

 

[DuffMan]

I didn't mean to imply that he hasn't kept his cool. I just meant that he seems a little more willing to show his displeasure at things, be it media members, or life situations, when he feels it's warranted. It seems like he's being more genuine and little less guarded. It could just be me though.

 

[IH8IAST8]

I saw our head basketball coach scream at kids, smash a clipboard, scream somemore, and then start teaching again. Fire and intensity I haven't seen on a hawkeye sideline asides than the wrestling mat possibly in my lifetime...gotta love that desire and passion from a coach.