Kirk Ferentz ranked 16th among college football coaches by USA TODAY

Yahoo Sports1 min read • Latest: Jul 14, 2026, 11:45 AM

Last updated Jul 14, 2026

Kirk Ferentz ranked 16th among college football coaches by USA TODAY
Summary

Kirk Ferentz has been ranked as the 16th best college football coach by USA TODAY Sports as the 2026 season approaches. Ferentz, the head coach at Iowa for nearly three decades, has accumulated 209 overall wins, making him the winningest coach in Big Ten history. He has led Iowa to two Big Ten championships and three West Division titles. His coaching success is characterized by a focus on defense and special teams, despite earlier concerns about the offense. Ferentz secured a contract extension in January 2022, ensuring his position through the 2029 season and expressing intentions to continue coaching thereafter.

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By the Numbers
  • Kirk Ferentz ranked as college football's 16th best coach heading into 2026.
  • He has won 209 games, making him the Big Ten's winningest coach.
  • Ferentz led Iowa to two Big Ten championships and three West Division titles.
  • He signed a contract extension in January 2022, valid through 2029.
  • Ferentz is praised for his emphasis on defense and special teams play.
Latest Updates
  • 11:45 AMYahoo SportsIowa's Kirk Ferentz ranked among USA TODAY's top 25 college football coaches
What they're saying
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Iowa's Kirk Ferentz resides within college football's top 25 coaches headed into 2026, per USA TODAY Sports.

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