ESPN: Perception problems mounting for Iowa

[BleedGopher]

per ESPN:

Criticism of Kirk Ferentz over the millions owed to Iowa’s 16-year coach has remained largely constrained to fans of the Hawkeyes and other Big Ten programs and media who cover the sport.

Until recently, that is, when comedian Lewis Black -- with no apparent reason to like or dislike Iowa football -- dropped a series of bombs on Ferentz during a Q&A after a stand-up show at a casino near Iowa City.

Black, among other unsuitable-for-print comments, told the audience members that he was “just saddened by the fact that you're saddled with a coach that sucks.”

The remarks, in a vacuum, serve as nothing more than a bit of comic relief. Ferentz, who’s gone five years without a nine-win season for the first time, is an easy target this year. And what Black thinks about the coach and Iowa means little in the big picture.

Or does it?

When the struggles of a coach or his program cross into consciousness of pop culture, suddenly, the P.R. problem at hand intensifies. It’s not what Black said. Or that he said it.

It’s that he knew to say it.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/119862/perception-problems-mounting-for-iowa

Go Gophers!!

 

[Ole]

per ESPN:

Criticism of Kirk Ferentz over the millions owed to Iowa’s 16-year coach has remained largely constrained to fans of the Hawkeyes and other Big Ten programs and media who cover the sport.

Until recently, that is, when comedian Lewis Black -- with no apparent reason to like or dislike Iowa football -- dropped a series of bombs on Ferentz during a Q&A after a stand-up show at a casino near Iowa City.

Black, among other unsuitable-for-print comments, told the audience members that he was “just saddened by the fact that you're saddled with a coach that sucks.”

The remarks, in a vacuum, serve as nothing more than a bit of comic relief. Ferentz, who’s gone five years without a nine-win season for the first time, is an easy target this year. And what Black thinks about the coach and Iowa means little in the big picture.

Or does it?

When the struggles of a coach or his program cross into consciousness of pop culture, suddenly, the P.R. problem at hand intensifies. It’s not what Black said. Or that he said it.

It’s that he knew to say it.

http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/119862/perception-problems-mounting-for-iowa

Go Gophers!!

They are becoming us under Mason circa 2006.
Successful coach for over a decade.
Schemes and style are well coached enough to usually beat less talented teams.
Perceived lack of passion for recruiting and overall.
Resistant to change.
Big paycheck.
Easy schedules not leading to big seasons.
Moron AD.

I don't buy that after Ferentz there will be lots of great candidates kicking down the door to get in for an interview.
Bert isn't leaving the SEC for iowa.
The style of player Ferentz has recruited recently seems tough to transition to a shiny new scheme(lack of skill players and speed), which any of the high risers in the MAC would likely institute.
I can easily see this become the beginning of a dark era in Iowa football, especially if NW, Illinois, and/or Purdue elevates themselves back to mediocrity or above.

 

[Sparlimb]

I still think Ferentz is a good coach. I know Iowa fans aren't happy, but I'd be happy with his success. If I were an Iowa fan (and thank goodness I'm not), I'd not be in favor of firing the coach. That said, as a Gopher fan, they should fire him immediately and look for someone much more suited to making Iowa City a desirable location.

 

[gophmeister]

Remember in 2009 when they went to a BCS bowl and we were slipping into the abyss? Now we're trending up and despite the totally cake schedule they're on the way down.

 

[Dr.Don]

... making Iowa City a desirable location.

Impossible.

 

[hungan1]

I have never been there, but obviously drinks are free flowing.

Whatever happened to Vodka Sam?

 

[MNGoldenGophers1]

Perception problems for Iowa? How is that even possible?

 

[Schnauzer]

Perception problems for Iowa? How is that even possible?

My favorite post in this thread.

 

[Pompous Elitist]

This is the curse of fans tasting success for a tier two or three Big Ten team. Mason agrees with this statement.

Even Kill's bloom will be off the rose if he throws a few 6 or 7 win seasons in a row. Our fan base, and every fan base, has a vocal contingent of very impatient fans.

Even a coach of Ferentz's caliber (sorry) may need to have some off years to reinvigorate him.