hawkeyes head coach Kirk James Ferentz was fired because of….
Iowa fans had to grimace a bit at the news coming out of Northwestern University over the weekend. Head coach Pat Fitzgerald was on the hot seat, suspended for his role in a hazing scandal at the Big Ten school. Fitzgerald would end up being fired. Iowa fans can remember Kirk Ferentz facing scrutiny several years ago for negative headlines involving the Iowa football program. So why did Fitzgerald pay with his job, and Feretnz survive?
Fitzgerald spent 17 years as the head coach of the Wildcats. The Des Moines Register reports that he enjoyed a 9-8 record against Ferentz and the Hawkeyes. The two programs were often compared Ten coaches only grows larger.
Just three summers ago, there were cries in Iowa City for Ferentz to be let go after allegations of racial disparities within the football program came to light from dozens of former Black players. While the Northwestern case involved reports of hazing, the Register reports that reports of racial bias at Northwestern have also emerged. Reports say that Fitzgerald asked Black players to cut off dreadlocks so they would be more in line with the ‘Wildcat Way.’ The Register points out that this sounds very similar to the ‘Iowa Way’ uncovered by investigators, that encouraged players to ditch earrings, durags, and certain hairstyles. So how did Ferentz keep his job?