Reason behind Ferentz presser?

[nwiahawks]

Just thinking out loud.

Was Ferentz aware of Mason upcoming retirement and felt the need to speak and proclaim what he has done for university first? With Mason gone, there is probably a good chance Barta is next. What will the new president and AD think of Ferentz successes over the past years?

A big portion of Ferentz presser sounded like a job application process:

- Talked about his success when he first got here and how he turned the program around. Plans to keep coaching that way.
- Talked about how long he has been here and that is not the "norm" in coaching. Only 2nd coach to go beyond a decade in the program.
- Plans to start working harder and spending more time in the office. Why decide that now? Why did it change?
- Talked about the ups and downs over the 16 years and every down cycle he has been able to climb out of it. Now is a pretty good down cycle. Can he rebound again?
- Talked about looking into schematic changes. Visiting the Packers this offseason. Will he actually change?


Regarding the downward trend the past few years. His reasons (excuses) were:
- Lot of new coaches in 2012 & 2013. Why can other schools get new assistants and maintain success?
- To much time on the road with fundraising for the new football complexes. Long term this may be a good thing for the school because of the new football facilities. But isnt' that the AD job? The FB coach should first and foremost COACHING. If additional time is available and you are being successful take some time to fund raise.


He was quick to praise all his accomplishments (which there are many) but quick to come up with reasons/excuses for the down years. (last few). As Jon stated on twitter i believe, this was one of the first and only times Ferentz has actually stood up and took some of the blame and stated change starts with him.


Maybe Ferentz is starting to feel his seat warming just a bit ...

 

[tweeterhawk]

"I felt we needed to talk."

 

[JRD90]

Yes. Not to get too conspiracy theory, but if Barta & Ferentz knew she was leaving, that might explain why Ferentz put out a depth chart with CJ as the QB (hoping to make fans happy) and the press conference was to publicly state he's aware of the problems and committed to fixing them. Plus, maybe no coincidence that Barta's name was in the mix for the West Virginia AD job. He may be trying to get out before he's told to leave.

 

[Calculator]

I think Barta is feeling the heat from the donors and made Kirk give this presser to try to quell some of the angst. Mason is so far removed from the athletic department that in no way was the presser Mason thing. She aint leaving until August 1. So we are at least a year and a half for Barta's departure unless he leaves on his own.

 

[HomerChampless]

What Calculator said. An attempt to fire up the fan base to buy tickets for next season, also. No changes in the program, though. Even if CJ is QB, Iowa will run the ball most of the time and take time off the clock.

I'm sure KF has had a good talk with defensive coaches and his son, the OL coach, for more production. And talked to GD about less production on offense.