Beth Goetz, the Athletic Director at Iowa, discusses implementing adjustments at Offensive Coordinator and the outlook for the athletics department moving forward.

CLEVELAND — Following Iowa football’s loss to Minnesota on October 21st and the subsequent announcement of offensive coordinator Brian Ferentz’s departure, interim athletics director Beth Goetz received a total of 67 emails either urging her to dismiss the head coach’s son or responding to her decision.

The Athletic obtained these emails, revealing a strong outpouring of fan frustration following the Hawkeyes’ first home loss to the Gophers in 24 years. With Iowa’s offense ranking as the worst in the nation for two consecutive seasons and gaining only 12 yards after halftime against Minnesota, the pressure mounted. After Goetz, in collaboration with UI President Barbara Wilson, opted not to renew Brian Ferentz’s contract, she predominantly received praise in her interactions with fans. Nevertheless, it was an uncomfortable period for Goetz, football coach Kirk Ferentz (Brian’s father), and the athletics department.

In the second part of The Athletic’s discussion with Goetz — now serving as Iowa’s full-time athletics director — topics include her rapport with the football program, her involvement in hiring new offensive coordinator Tim Lester, and the potential reinstatement of sports eliminated during the pandemic.

Regarding football, Goetz is open to discussing her relationship with Kirk Ferentz but prefers not to revisit the moment of announcing Brian Ferentz’s contract expiration or its aftermath.

Goetz stated, “We’re just focused on how do we make sure I’m doing my best to support Kirk and to support the program. He’s the ultimate professional. I feel like we’ve got a really good relationship, and I’m going to be there to support what he needs, what his program needs and make sure we continue to help them be successful and help our fans get excited about this new team, this new Big Ten and some of the things we have in front of it.”

“I have an opportunity to work with a coach who’s likely going to be in the Hall of Fame one day. All of us who get to hear about what he’s done, what he’s accomplished and the way he goes about it, the culture he builds with his guys … to be a part of what they do and appreciate that coach has allowed me to do that, I’m excited to see what this year is going to be like.”

Brian Ferentz’s departure prompted a search for a new offensive coordinator. While the final decision rested with Kirk Ferentz, Beth Goetz also played a role. Ultimately, the Iowa Hawkeyes hired Tim Lester, former head coach of Western Michigan, as their new offensive coordinator.

Regarding her involvement in the process, Goetz stated, “One part of our role is to make sure that we’re selling. It’s partly recruiting in that process. You want to make sure those candidates all know what our level of commitment is and answer questions that they may have. I met with the finalists and had good conversations with them, and that was great.”

Goetz also discussed handling emails received, which sometimes contained disrespectful or vulgar content. She stated, “You have the extreme, where hire a coach, fire a coach, whatever the issue is, this is the basketball court we want. But sometimes you learn through those emails something we weren’t aware of or a really great idea.”

On the financial challenges faced by athletic departments, Goetz emphasized prioritizing resources and being mindful of the future landscape. She noted that adding sports or undertaking major projects without a clear understanding of financial responsibilities could be irresponsible. She also mentioned preparing for potential changes in athlete compensation and the need to allocate resources accordingly.