When the most tenured coach in football praises the work you've done, you know you've done something right.
Kirk Ferentz is entering his 28th season as the head coach of Iowa Football, and even though it did not start out well, the Iowa program has experienced sustained success under his leadership.
Ferentz started his Iowa tenure with a 1-10 record, but quickly turned the program around and has now had 13 straight seasons with a winning record.
It was a completely different story for first-year head coach Ben McCollum, who took Iowa to heights they haven't experienced in decades, and Ferentz noticed.
Ferentz called Iowa MBB's run 'unbelievably fun to watch'
Ferentz knows a little something about success, and he is not the type of person to throw out compliments for no reason.
During a press conference while spring football practices ramp up, Ferentz took the time to praise McCollum's efforts and what the squad accomplished this season.
Kirk Ferentz: "Just wanted to take one minute and congratulate coach McCollum and everybody involved in the men's basketball program. What a year they had. All the winter teams had great years, but the run they made in the tournament was just unbelievably fun to watch. I know… pic.twitter.com/lEAAvRxOOj
— Tyler Tachman (@Tyler_T15) April 1, 2026
The men's basketball squad did the improbable by advancing all the way to the Elite 8 as a nine seed in the Tournament. It was their first trip to the Elite 8 since 1987, and Ferentz was impressed by their run.
Not only did he say it was "unbelievably fun" to watch, but he also said everyone who follows the Hawks certainly enjoyed it.
Ferentz had nothing but praise for McCollum and his team's efforts this season as he continues to open eyes at home and around the country.
McCollum has earned recognition from his players, the media, and current and former coaches as he continues to lay the groundwork for the program's continued success. It will be exciting to see what he can cook up in year two with the program.