IOWA CITY, Iowa — Few names are more closely connected to Iowa Hawkeyes football than Kirk Ferentz.
After nearly three decades leading the program, Ferentz has experienced memorable victories, difficult defeats, changing players, changing conferences and an entirely different college football landscape.
Through all those years, one constant has remained beside him: his wife, Mary.
The Ferentz family story continues to hold a special place within the Iowa community. Kirk and Mary have now been married for 46 years, according to the University of Iowa’s official biography of the Hawkeyes head coach. Together, they have five children — Brian, Kelly, Joanne, James and Steven — as well as five granddaughters and seven grandsons. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
For Hawkeye supporters who have followed Ferentz for decades, his family has become part of a much larger Iowa story.
MARY HAS BEEN THERE THROUGH AN EXTRAORDINARY CAREER
Ferentz has coached Iowa since 1999, making the 2026 campaign his 28th season leading the Hawkeyes.
That longevity is increasingly rare in modern college football.
Coaching staffs change quickly. Players transfer. Conferences expand. Recruiting has been transformed by NIL and the transfer portal.
Yet Ferentz remains on the Iowa sideline.
At Big Ten Media Days in July, Ferentz noted that 2026 marked his 27th Big Ten Media Day and 28th preseason overall. He acknowledged how dramatically college football has changed while emphasizing that his enthusiasm for working with his team remains. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
Behind that remarkable run has been a family that has shared much of the journey.
All five Ferentz children graduated from City High School in Iowa City and later earned degrees from the University of Iowa. His sons also had the opportunity to play football for Iowa while their father was head coach. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
That makes the Ferentz connection to Iowa much deeper than wins and losses.
THEIR IMPACT EXTENDS BEYOND FOOTBALL
One of the most meaningful parts of Kirk and Mary’s Iowa legacy can be found away from the football field.
Both have been strong supporters of the University of Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital and have participated in events designed to raise awareness and financial support for children and families.
In 2007, they established the Ferentz Family Pediatric Research and Education Endowment Fund.
A decade later, Kirk and Mary donated more than $1 million to establish the Savvy Elizabeth Ferentz Neonatology Research Fund, named in honor of their granddaughter.
The Iowa Ladies’ Football Academy has also donated $3 million to the children’s hospital. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
Their commitment remains active.
The university recently announced a special Iowa Ladies’ Football Academy: Wave Edition for June 2027 at Kinnick Stadium, with proceeds directly benefiting the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit at UI Health Care Stead Family Children’s Hospital. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
It is an important reminder that the Ferentz family’s connection with Iowa is not limited to Saturday afternoons.
ANOTHER SEASON, ANOTHER CHAPTER
On the field, Ferentz and the Hawkeyes have opened the 2026 season with plenty of excitement.
Iowa defeated Iowa State 16–13 on September 12, reclaiming the Cy-Hawk Trophy in dramatic fashion.
The victory came down to the closing seconds, with Caden Buhr converting a 42-yard field goal with only 15 seconds remaining.
Iowa improved to 2–0 with the victory and turned its attention toward Northern Iowa. The Hawkeyes are scheduled to host UNI at Kinnick Stadium on September 19. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
Ferentz spoke positively about the Iowa State victory during his September 15 press conference, describing it as a hard-fought game while emphasizing the lessons his team could take from the performance. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
It is another season in a coaching career that has stretched across generations of Iowa fans.
FAMILY REMAINS AT THE CENTER
For all the attention Ferentz receives as a football coach, Iowa’s official biography makes his priorities away from football clear: family occupies an important place in his life.
Mary has been beside him throughout the extraordinary journey.
Their children grew up around Iowa football. Their family became deeply connected to the university.
Their charitable work has supported children and families facing circumstances far more important than the outcome of any football game.
And now another generation — their grandchildren — is part of that story.
That may explain why the Ferentz name means something different to longtime Iowa supporters than that of a typical head coach.
It represents continuity.
It represents family.
And, after more than four decades of marriage and nearly three decades of Kirk leading Iowa football, it represents a relationship with the university and the Iowa City community that has endured through enormous change.
There is no verified announcement that Kirk and Mary have suddenly revealed a new pregnancy, new baby or similar “something is on the way” surprise. But there is genuine good news worth celebrating: 46 years of marriage, a large Hawkeye family, decades of community service and another season together at Iowa. (Hawkeyes Athletics)
For Hawkeye Nation, that is already quite a story. 🖤💛🏈
