Former Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz to join Maryland football staff

IOWA CITY — Former Iowa offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz is joining the Maryland football staff as a Senior Offensive Assistant, Maryland confirmed to the Register on Friday.

Brian Ferentz, son of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz, has deep ties to the Hawkeyes' program. Brian Ferentz played for the Hawkeyes in the early 2000s and later served a variety of roles during his coaching tenure at Iowa, which spanned more than a decade. Those responsibilities included offensive coordinator and, before that, offensive line coach. Brian Ferentz also spent separate stints coaching tight ends, running backs and quarterbacks.

He was Iowa's offensive coordinator from 2017 through the Hawkeyes' appearance in the Citrus Bowl on Jan. 1, 2024.

Brian Ferentz became a target of major scrutiny as the Hawkeyes' offense sputtered over the last few seasons. Iowa's offensive output became a laughingstock nationally and criticism mounted, including cries of nepotism against Kirk Ferentz.

Brian Ferentz was retained after poor offensive production from the unit in 2022, though the situation only got more complicated. Then-AD Gary Barta put performance goals into place for the 2023 season, requiring that Iowa win at least eight games and average at least 25 points per game.

Despite bringing in some talented transfers, last season became a disaster offensively again. Some of it wasn't Brian Ferentz's fault, as key players on offense, including quarterback Cade McNamara and tight ends Erick All and Luke Lachey, suffered season-ending injuries. Still, Iowa's quarterback play was atrocious and the wide receiver play was underwhelming.

The situation reached a breaking point following Iowa's 12-10 loss to Minnesota in October. Then-interim AD Beth Goetz stepped in and announced that Brian Ferentz would not be returning to the program following the season. The decision was not surprising but the timing, given it was still during the season (though during an idle week), didn't line up with what Kirk Ferentz was accustomed to.

"Anyone who loves Iowa football recognizes both the success and challenges that have brought attention to our program this season," Goetz said in a statement. "Our struggles on offense coupled with the offensive coordinator’s contract make this a unique situation. After conversations with head coach Kirk Ferentz, coach Brian Ferentz and President (Barbara) Wilson, I informed Brian that our intention is for him to be with us through the bowl game, but this is his last season with the program. 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.

Iowa still went on to win the Big Ten West, finishing the regular season with a 10-2 record. The final two games of the season, though, illustrated why Iowa needed to go in another direction. The Hawkeyes didn't score a single point in the Big Ten Championship game against Michigan or the Citrus Bowl against Tennessee. Iowa was outscored a combined 61-0 during those two games.

Before the Citrus Bowl, Brian Ferentz met with the media.

"I made a commitment to this football team and to this football program," Brian Ferentz said. "Like I said in my statement, I intended to honor that commitment. I feel like I have done that. I fully anticipate doing that for the next three, four days, whatever it is, and then cross the other bridge when I get there. This place is important to me. The University of Iowa is important to me. The football program is important to me. It is always important that I finish the right way and do my job."

This offseason, Iowa hired former Western Michigan head coach Tim Lester to be its new offensive coordinator. Now, Brian Ferentz gets his next job, too. And it is in familiar territory.

Brian Ferentz will now work under Maryland head coach Michael Locksley, who is entering his sixth season as the Terrapins' head coach. Maryland has won a bowl game in three consecutive seasons, including an 8-5 record in each of the last two campaigns.

The storyline continues, though, as Ferentzs are set to meet this upcoming season.

Iowa plays at Maryland on Nov. 23, 2024.

Follow Tyler Tachman on X @Tyler_T15, contact via email at ttachman@gannett.com