Iowa Football Head Coach Kirk Ferentz is not what anyone would call flashy. He has employed the same ground-and-pound running scheme since taking over in 1999 and places a heavy emphasis on defense and special teams.
Ferentz is often criticized for not adapting to the modern offensive game, but his success speaks for itself.
Since Ferentz became the head coach in 1999, the Iowa program has had only four losing seasons, the last one coming in 2012 (4-8, 2-6 Big Ten).
Iowa has had eight seasons with 10 or more wins, including a program-record 12 wins and a trip to the Rose Bowl in 2015.
A large part of the success in the Ferentz era has been on the defensive side. The Hawkeyes' defense, led by long-time assistant Phil Parker, frustrates teams and is called upon to keep Iowa in the game.
Another area where Iowa excels is on special teams. "Punting is Winning" is a term that has been coined by the media and fans following Ferentz's conservative style and unwillingness to force bad plays on offense.
Ferentz has never craved the spotlight, and he proved that once again by opting out of appearing in a popular video game franchise.
Other coaches not included: Cristobal (Miami), Ferentz (Iowa), Mendenhall (Utah State), Helton (WKU), Kelly (JVST), Reich (Stanford), Dilfer (UAB), Vincent (ULM), Eck (UNM), Carney (Kent St).https://t.co/a0c5V5AL6D
— On3 (@On3sports) July 7, 2025
For the first time, EA Sports College Football 26 will feature over 300 head coaches in their popular video game. Ferentz is one of a handful of coaches who opted out of appearing in the game.
Ferentz joins a list of coaches who opted out that includes Deion "Prime" Sanders, Bill Belichick, Mario Cristobal, and Trent Dilfer.
The newest edition of one of the world's most popular sports video games will release on July 10.