After securing win No. 206 against UMass on Saturday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz earned high praise from former Florida and Ohio State head coach Urban Meyer.
“I’ll go on record here in saying, certainly in our lifetime, and I don’t think ever, will you see that record broken. It’s a credit to Coach Ferentz and his staff, and most importantly, his players, but it’s also the University of Iowa.
“Iowa shows loyalty, they showed patience, and as a result, you know what they’re rewarded with? One of the most consistent programs in college football,” Meyer said.
The former Buckeyes head coach continued by listing three reasons for the Hawkeyes’ stability under Ferentz during his 27 seasons leading the program.
“When I coached against Coach Ferentz so many times is the one thing that you would always know, his teams are rugged. And what I mean by that, they play hard. They played fundamentally sound. They were tough. And then I’m not sure he gets enough credit for it. You realize how many players he put in the NFL? That coaching staff develops them as well as anyone, and they not only go to the NFL, they have great success.
“Number two. They’re well coached. You never see them beat themselves, ever. Minimal penalties. Fundamentally, they’re in great position all the time. It’s hard to get big plays against that defense. And then finally, consistent. When I played them first, I was at Florida, and we played them in the Outback Bowl. And then fast-forward to Ohio State, we played them several times. Every team was about the same. They’re rugged on defense, very good on offense, great players, well-developed players. So, rugged, well-coached, and consistent,” Meyer said.
Meyer gave a final sentiment by declaring Ferentz as one of the most well-respected college football coaches in the profession.
“I think I speak on behalf of the coaching profession, he’s one of the most respected guys that has been around,” Meyer said.
Former Michigan tight end Jake Butt joined Meyer in praising Ferentz.
“He’s the staple of longevity and consistency… And that should be celebrated,” Butt said on the Big Ten Network’s “B1G Today” on Tuesday.
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