About Our Ads Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The dean of college football received much-deserved praise on Wednesday.
Iowa head football head coach Kirk Ferentz was named to the Paul "Bear" Bryant National Coach of the Year watch list . Named after legendary Alabama coach Bear Bryant, the award is given annually to a college football coach for contributions that make the sport better for athletes and fans alike by demonstrating grit, integrity and a winning approach to coaching and life – both on and off the field.
Ferentz joins a list of 28 football coaches on the watch list, including Big Ten peers David Braun (Northwestern), Bob Chesney ( UCLA ), Curt Cignetti (Indiana), Ryan Day ( Ohio State ), and Lincoln Riley ( USC ).
Despite being in his 28th season as the head coach at Iowa , Ferentz has never been named the Bear Bryant National Coach of the Year. He's a strong candidate for the award this season, as he's led Iowa to a 5-1 record and a consensus top-15 ranking at the halfway point. He's done that despite some big questions at the quarterback position.
Ferentz is often applauded by his current and former players for how he shapes them as men and prepares them for life after football. Those off-the-field lessons, along with his success on the gridiron, put him in a great spot to take home the award. If Iowa keeps winning games, he'll be right in the mix.
As the Big Ten's all-time winningest coach, Ferentz has totaled 214 victories, including a conference-record 135 Big Ten wins. Ferentz has guided Iowa to Big Ten titles in 2002 and 2004, and West Division titles in 2015, 2021, and 2023. Under Ferentz's direction, Iowa has had 14 individual national award winners on 17 occasions, and Ferentz has coached 101 NFL draft selections.
The Bear Bryant Coach of the Year will be announced during a ceremony on Jan. 27, 2027, in Houston. The award is the only college football coaching honor that is given after the national champion has been crowned.
Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 1 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) exits the locker room before pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 2 / 20 Iowa's Kirk Ferentz named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year watch list Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz talks on the sideline during pregame warmups against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 3 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 4 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) passes against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 5 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 6 / 20 Iowa football climbs in US LBM Coaches Poll rankings in idle week Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz reacts to a successful extra point kick against the Washington Huskies during the first quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 7 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) sacks Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 8 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive lineman Will Hubert (57) tackles Washington Huskies wide receiver Dezmen Roebuck (2) following a reception by Roebuck during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 9 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Jacob Wallace (11) and linebacker Jayden Montgomery (36) tackle Washington Huskies quarterback Demond Williams Jr. (1) during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 10 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 11 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Washington Huskies quarterback Elijah Brown (7) looks to pass against the Iowa Hawkeyes during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 12 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes defensive back Xavier Styles (18) defends a pass intended for Washington Huskies wide receiver Rashid Williams (3) during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 13 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Braeden Jackson (22) runs for yards after the catch against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 14 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back L.J. Phillips Jr. (21) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 15 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 16 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz stands away from the sideline following a touchdown by the Washington Huskies during the third quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 17 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) stands over center before a fourth quarter play against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 18 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kamari Moulton (28) celebrates after rushing for a touchdown against the Washington Huskies during the fourth quarter at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 19 / 20 Best photos from Iowa football's dominant 41-24 win vs. Washington Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes quarterback Jeremy Hecklinski (10) celebrates following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) 20 / 20 Iowa football rises again in latest AP Top 25 rankings Oct 9, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Iowa Hawkeyes players do a cheer in front of their fans following a victory against the Washington Huskies at Husky Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images (Joe Nicholson, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect) Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes and opinions. Follow Zach on X: @zach_hiney
This article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Iowa's Kirk Ferentz named to Bear Bryant Coach of the Year watch list
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