(Sports Network) - Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz agreed
to a seven-year contract extension, the university announced Thursday. The
contract will run through the 2015 season.

Ferentz guided the Hawkeyes to an 8-4 record last season, followed by a 31-10
victory over South Carolina in the 23rd annual Outback Bowl at Raymond James
Stadium on January 1. His Hawkeyes posted a big win over previously-unbeaten
Penn State on November 8 at Kinnick Stadium.

"Kirk Ferentz has shown over a twenty-year period he loves the University and
the state of Iowa," said director of athletics Gary Barta. "He is a great fit
for the Hawkeye program. As our head coach the past 10 years, he's proven
himself to be a winner and a strong leader of the Hawkeye program. I'm
thrilled to have him as Iowa's head football coach."

Ferentz, who now ranks second in coaching longevity among Big Ten Conference
football coaches (Joe Paterno, PSU), has posted a 70-53 record with the
Hawkeyes. He has also captured two Big Ten conference championships.

"I continue to consider it an honor to coach at the University of Iowa and I
am very appreciative of the University extending my contract," said Ferentz.
"Gary Barta and president Mason have been very supportive of our efforts. I
feel fortunate to be at Iowa and I am very excited about the future of our
program."



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