Iowa Football's Kirk Ferentz Outlines 4 Key Offseason Changes

Veteran coach discusses quarterback competition, staff shakeups, and program priorities ahead of 2026 season.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:05pm

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In a press conference on March 31, 2026, veteran Iowa football head coach Kirk Ferentz outlined four major offseason changes for the Hawkeyes program, including a quarterback competition, coaching staff turnover, and a renewed focus on recruiting and player development.

Why it matters

As one of the longest-tenured coaches in college football, Ferentz's comments provide valuable insight into the state of the Iowa program and the challenges they face in maintaining their status as a consistent Big Ten contender.

The details

Ferentz highlighted a wide-open quarterback competition this spring, with no clear frontrunner to replace departed starter Spencer Petras. He also discussed significant changes to his coaching staff, including the departures of longtime offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz and defensive coordinator Phil Parker. Additionally, Ferentz emphasized a renewed focus on recruiting and player development to keep Iowa competitive in the evolving college football landscape.

  • Ferentz met with media on March 31, 2026 to discuss Iowa's spring football progress.
  • The Hawkeyes are preparing for the 2026 college football season.

The players

Kirk Ferentz

The head football coach at the University of Iowa, where he has led the program since 1999.

Spencer Petras

The recently departed starting quarterback for the Iowa Hawkeyes.

Brian Ferentz

The former offensive coordinator for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who is departing the program.

Phil Parker

The former defensive coordinator for the Iowa Hawkeyes, who is also departing the program.

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What they’re saying

“It's been a while since I've had to stand up here and talk about our team, but I'm excited to get going again.”

— Kirk Ferentz, Head Coach, Iowa Hawkeyes

What’s next

Ferentz and the Hawkeyes will continue spring practice over the next several weeks as they evaluate their quarterback options and integrate new coaches into the program ahead of the 2026 season.

The takeaway

With significant changes to his coaching staff and a wide-open quarterback competition, Kirk Ferentz faces some of the biggest challenges of his long tenure at Iowa. However, his commitment to recruiting and player development suggests the Hawkeyes will remain a force to be reckoned with in the Big Ten.