IOWA CITY, Iowa– On Thursday morning, the National Football Foundation announced an adjustment to eligibility criteria. The new rule sets eligibility at .595 winning percentage, which opens the door for Hawkeye head coach Kirk Ferentz to be eligible.
Ferentz’s coaching record at Iowa across 26 seasons sits at 204-124 (128-88 Big Ten). That equates to a .622 winning percentage. During his three years with Maine, Ferentz finished 12-21 from 1990-92. Those three seasons bring Ferentz’s overall collegiate head coaching record to 216-145 or a 59.8 win percentage. In order to retain eligibility following the 2025 season, Ferentz will have to win at least seven games.
Ferentz is set to begin his 27th season at the helm of the Hawkeyes. Despite all of the numerous changes across college football, he has continued to develop young men on and off the field. He’s also set one of the most consistent cultures in the sport.
“I think that ultimately coach Ferentz is an unbelievable guy, an unbelievable man,” Iowa linebacker Nick Jackson said. “And what he’s built here in this program, it’s just been awesome. As soon as you walk into it, he treats us like men. And at the end of the day, that’s all you can ask for.”
Missouri head coach Eli Drinkwitz called Ferentz “the gold standard of college football” prior to the team’s matchup this past Music City Bowl. In modern football, there’s so much glitz, glamour and distractions. Ferentz has commanded respect across the football world with his values that emphasize brotherhood, accountability and love for the game.
“The good of the (bowl) game is the chance to be together, compete together, and go through the work leading up to competition,” Ferentz said. “If you don’t like that part of football, you’re probably in the wrong sport.”
“The nature of being part of a team, all those types of things. Talk to any former player … that’s what you miss when you’re done playing.”
To be considered for the NFF College Football Hall of Fame, coaches must have served as a head coach for a minimum of 10 seasons and must have coached at least 100 games. Coaches become eligible for consideration three full seasons after retirement or immediately following retirement if they are at least 70 years of age. Active coaches become eligible upon reaching the age of 75.
“The NFF is committed to preserving the integrity and prestige of the NFF College Football Hall of Fame,” NFF president and CEO Steve Hatchell said to ESPN. “This adjustment reflects thoughtful dialogue with leaders across the sport and allows us to better recognize coaches whose contributions to the game extend beyond a narrow statistical threshold.”
There’s no timetable for when Ferentz may call it a career. He has continued to reaffirm his commitment to the Hawkeyes. The longest-tenured coach in college football has cited time with his players, spring practice and fall camp as major reasons he comes back year after year.
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