IOWA CITY, Iowa — In the span of six days, three major question marks changed their punctuation status for the Iowa athletics program.
One, the Husch Blackwell report into racial bias by the football program came back. It verified a problem did exist, recommended action steps to correct it but did not call for coach Kirk Ferentz to be removed. Two, All-American men’s basketball center Luka Garza announced he will return for his senior year. That legitimately elevates Iowa into both a Big Ten and national title contender.
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Three, the Big Ten announced its reshuffled football schedule but now the fall slate remains in serious jeopardy. So real football shifted from a question mark to an exclamation point to an elipsis. Iowa did have its first transfer portal departure since early June with wide receiver Oliver Martin. An Iowa City West High School graduate, Martin left for Michigan in 2017 and 2018 before returning to Iowa last fall.
Of course, there are many more questions ranging from whether football will take place at all or the status of basketball or wrestling seasons. The Magic 8-Ball has yet to reveal those answers. Now to your questions.
Note: Submitted questions have been edited for clarity.
How good could the next school year be for Iowa? Football can be good. Wrestling could win a national title. Men’s basketball, the sky is the limit. Baseball should be good; women’s basketball is becoming a regular power. Track and field is good. Could this be the best year ever for Iowa athletics?
Derek H.
Hey Derek. You almost completely described Iowa’s 2019-20 sports season in a nutshell. The football team won 10 games and finished No. 15 in both polls (a little low for me). The wrestling team was a virtual lock to win its first national title in 10 years, and people in Iowa know the importance of that feat. The men’s and women’s basketball teams had Sweet 16 opportunities and had the Big Ten players of the year in Luka Garza and Kathleen Doyle, respectively. Baseball was hitting a surge. Softball was climbing under second-year coach Renee Gillispie and the track and field squads lost an opportunity at defending its men’s Big Ten championship and women’s discus title.
All of that said, this year has the chance to be even better. It’s difficult to predict whether football would match or exceed last year’s winning percentage after the revamped Big Ten schedule, but there’s enough talent to compete in every game. Wrestling still is the team to beat nationally. Softball, baseball and track/field are solidified under Gillispie, Rick Heller and Joey Woody, respectively. Even in projected down years, the women’s basketball program under Lisa Bluder is a Big Ten title contender.
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If sports are canceled, the program that stands the most to lose — even more than wrestling — is men’s basketball. According to odds by BetOnline, Iowa is 15-2 to win the 2021 NCAA Tournament with only Villanova listed higher. Garza is a mismatch every time he steps on the floor. With a legitimate rotation, the Hawkeyes could win their first regular-season Big Ten title since 1979 and qualify for the Final Four for the first time since 1980. The excitement over basketball rivals the football program for the first time since Steve Alford replaced Tom Davis in 1999 (yes, people were very upbeat about the change back then).
So, this sports season has the potential to be special in Iowa City — as long as it happens.
As you look into your crystal ball and you are writing an article to describe Kirk Ferentz after he retires, what are the five things you’d build around?
Greg J.
Terrific question, Greg, and this topic commands plenty of thought. First, you have to bring up Ferentz is the winningest coach in Iowa football history. He will rank in the top four in Big Ten games won, he’s a four-time Big Ten coach of the year winner and posted five top-10 finishes. He’s a football coach and that’s his first impact.
When you examine his career at a micro level, it’s yin-yang worthy. Iowa is a feared opponent by top-10 competition. The Hawkeyes are well-prepared, tough as a stack of lumberyard 2x4s and feature one of the most intimidating environments in college football. But for every epic upset against Michigan, Ohio State or Penn State, there’s an equally painful gut-punch against Northwestern, Iowa State or Purdue. Iowa’s developmental prowess in turning marginal prospects into NFL draft selections is offset by its inability to do the same at running back and wide receiver. If Iowa had recruited, retained or developed a few more running backs to match its reputation at offensive line or tight end, the Hawkeyes would own a few more pieces of hardware in their trophy case.
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From there, it’s a spattering of anecdotes. Obviously, there’s his longevity and style of play. There’s also his understated and welcoming personality, emotional depth and passion for the university and UI Children’s Hospital. Ferentz and his family have given millions of dollars to different university campaigns. After two decades, there also are the more difficult situations. That includes rhabdo in 2011, a mountain of arrests in 2007-08 and the recent investigation into racial bias by the program. The follow-through on the investigation will impact his legacy, too.
With Kirk coming out and admitting to some of the specific incidents and agreeing he and his staff need to make changes, does it make the claims by Akrum Wadley and company seem more made up since Kirk aggressively denied those?
Danny L.
KF certainly had a substantial response to DJK’s comments. Do you believe there is a path for DJK to get back in the “good graces” of Iowa fans? If there is, how do you think it could happen?
Matthew C.
The stories told by most players ran the gamut of completely truthful to somewhat exaggerated. Specific to Derrell Johnson-Koulianos and Akrum Wadley, they were subjected to poor treatment and that needed a public vetting. However, a few of their descriptions were untruthful. Wadley, who does have legitimate concerns, alleged Ferentz tried to keep him out of the NFL when the opposite was true. In my interview with Ferentz, he described making phone calls to the Senior Bowl to get Wadley a spot along with setting up opportunities with the failed XFL.
Johnson-Koulianos, in particular, described Ferentz setting up a drug bust to take him down. Ferentz fiercely denied that charge last week. Although it was difficult for Ferentz to hear many of the allegations, he accepted most of the criticism but shot back at what he felt was untruthful. He said he was “surprised” by Wadley and seemed wounded by it. Based on his reaction, he was angered by Johnson-Koulianos.
In order for either former player to really get a chance at reconciliation, I’d guess they would have to issue a public apology or acknowledgment explaining their comments. Then they’d need to set up a conversation with Ferentz to discuss it further. The majority of Iowa fans are forgiving and would love to see Ferentz and DJK sing “Kumbaya” on their YouTube channel. I’d say it’s unlikely Ferentz and Johnson-Koulianos reconcile.
The optics of the strength and conditioning coach’s buyout is horrible. With so many players reiterating the intolerable situation they endured, to pay this man $1 million for his bad behavior is to continue the overwhelming inequity that Black student-athletes face. While these coaches make untold sums of money, most of these players are not given the tools to succeed and are thrown under the bus after their college career ends. To pay a man to ingrain systemic racism into the players’ psyches is sick. We need a new incentive system for coaches and to stop these wasteful golden parachutes for abject failures. Shame on Iowa for wasting more money.
Joan L.
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I don’t disagree that to pay longtime strength coach Chris Doyle $1.1 million to resign is a large sum. But with his contract, that total might have doubled without the agreement.
Doyle’s demise was shocking. He was considered the nation’s top strength coach and could have left for just about any school or NFL club. His salary escalated very quickly. Iowa assistants earn raises based on the previous season’s success, and Doyle was a part of that structure. He was paid $800,000 in fiscal 2020 and it would have jumped to $896,000 with a 12 percent raise beginning July 1. As with anything, Doyle’s salary was determined by his market value.
When we get a little more normalcy beyond COVID-19, look for athletics directors to try to establish smarter contracts. Compared to its national peers, Iowa’s severance packages have been relatively small. Outside of the $6.6 million legal settlement to former senior associate athletics director Jane Meyer and former women’s field hockey coach Tracey Griesbaum, the largest payment was in 2010 to former men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter at $2.4 million. Those numbers are large but nothing compared to several football staff buyouts by numerous programs.
What do you honestly believe Kirk Ferentz, Brian Ferentz, or Gary Barta would have to do to lose their jobs or be held accountable for their actions at all? This entire process feels like yet another example of just how much power Kirk has in the university, how little accountability he has for his actions, and how little amount of detail and specifics he actually has to provide in answering for his actions.
Justin G.
If there is a football season this year how much pressure will be on KF to win games? If Brian has more blow-ups on the sidelines (not sure if he’s allowed in the press box) is there any sort of indication that he’ll have actual consequences? What is your opinion on this being the beginning of the end of KF? Does he use the “changing times” as a reason to quit coaching?
Lindsay S.
When will Brian Ferentz be asked to address the allegations and give his viewpoint on what has taken place and what he will be focusing on to improve?
Douglas P.
Kirk Ferentz has built a ton of equity over the years at the University of Iowa and across the state. A majority of power brokers back him, from the university hierarchy to donors. That said, if a significant portion of his former players said he was the problem and needed to go, I’m not sure he would have stayed on his own accord. But most of his former players vouched publicly for him, even those who criticized him. You have to take that into account when you’re deciding something as impactful as football leadership, especially during a pandemic.
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Athletics director Gary Barta has weathered plenty of PR storms in recent years and his relationship with UI President Bruce Harreld certainly plays a role. It’s easy to rattle off Barta’s negatives, but Iowa’s overall competitive level hasn’t been higher in the last 30 years. The football program ended the season ranked No. 15, men’s basketball No. 25, wrestling No. 1 and women’s basketball No. 21. Financially, Iowa’s athletics department has been secure (everyone will have financial issues with the pandemic) and they’ve retained their core head coaches. His last major hire was Fran McCaffery in 2010.
Brian Ferentz was prominently mentioned by former players — including Wadley — for multiple incidents. While Brian Ferentz was not terminated, specific allegations were placed in his personnel file. Some of the on-field blowouts, while unbecoming, have led to personal foul penalties. The next time he is available, Brian Ferentz will be asked about those incidents. I have no way of knowing what he might say in that interview.
As for “the beginning of the end” for Ferentz, he has a contract through the 2025 season. He just turned 65 on Aug. 1, and I suppose he could retire at any time. Considering he didn’t step down in June or July, the investigation itself will not impact when he decides to retire.
It’s fantastic that Luka announced he is coming back but I heard there is still a narrow window when college players can still declare for the draft. Any chance Hawkeye fans could still have their hearts broken?
Julia L.
Now that Luka is coming back, could you speculate on the starting 5? What is the likelihood that the Big Ten goes to a conference-only schedule in basketball, too?
Matthew F.
Now that Garza is coming back, do you have an idea if Iowa will announce ACC-Big Ten Challenge and Gavitt Games opponents or is non-conference not an option now for basketball?
Kevin R.
Great news with Luka coming back! How does that impact scholarships and recruiting?
Charlie S.
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The deadline to declare a college return was Aug. 3, but the final date to remain in the NBA Draft is Aug. 17. So, in theory, Garza could opt back. But after doing a Zoom call that was broadcast live on the team’s YouTube channel, Garza is all-in on his return. He would have hedged if he was still waiting on a final decision. He’s a high-character person and loves his teammates so I can’t see him backing out. As for Iowa’s scholarship situation, the Hawkeyes will need to replace Garza and guard Jordan Bohannon for 2021-22. The greatest future need comes in the post at both center and power forward.
As we’ve seen with football, it’s almost impossible to answer any schedule-related questions for any sport.Iowa men’s basketball coach Fran McCaffery said he could see a bubble-type event after Thanksgiving when many campuses go virtual only. First of all, that would be awfully cool if, say eight teams set up a bubble in Des Moines and included the four instate schools plus four regional schools (Minnesota, Missouri, Creighton, K-State, as examples). Perhaps each team plays four or five games over a week. It could be done at Drake or connect everyone downtown to Wells Fargo Arena. It’s purely speculation on my part, but fun to consider.
As for the starting five, obviously Garza opens at center with junior Joe Wieskamp at one wing spot and Bohannon at guard. Connor McCaffery, also a junior, can line up anywhere and I think sophom*ore C.J. Fredrick is the other starter. Sophom*ore guard Joe Toussaint and fourth-year sophom*ore forward Jack Nunge, who obtained a medical redshirt after a previous redshirt season, will be in heavy rotation if they don’t start. Redshirt freshman forward Patrick McCaffery also will play quite a bit, and incoming freshman center Josh Ogundele needs to see action. The remaining four freshmen — Kris Murray, Keegan Murray, Ahron Ulis and Tony Perkins — will fight for minutes.
Ihaven’t heard any news on B1G Wrestling. Will there be a season? With such close contact and bodily fluids contacting the mats, what protocols can keep grapplers safe from COVID-19?
Matthew V.
Because of the close contact, wrestling has had more stringent safety protocols in place for years. Additionally, the contact is one-on-one, as opposed to a basketball game or other sport. The plan remains in place for a regularly scheduled season with camp scheduled to begin in October. With the financial situation nationally, it’s conceivable that some programs opt out for a season.
I would expect the Big Ten and other leagues to design a more compact schedule to trim costs, probably after January 1. Perhaps the programs could make better use of their resources by incorporating double duals and limited travel. That goes for all non-revenue sports.
(Top photo of Luka Garza: Jeffrey Becker / USA TODAY Sports)
