GoGamecocks.com
NFL talk follows Ferentz
Iowa coach’s name has sprung up for Browns; Hawkeyes wrap up bowl practice
Written by MARC MOREHOUSE
The Cedar Rapids Gazette
Posted on 12.31.08
CommentsTAMPA, Fla. — Iowa Coach Kirk Ferentz briefly addressed the NFL question after Tuesday’s final Outback Bowl practice.
He was asked if he had been contacted by the Cleveland Browns. On Monday, the Browns fired general manager Phil Savage, a Ferentz friend from his Baltimore Ravens days, and coach Romeo Crennel after a 4-12 season.
The reason for the Cleveland question is Scott Pioli, the Patriots’ vice president of player personnel. Browns owner Randy Lerner has been granted permission to interview the 43-year-old Pioli, also a Ferentz friend from his days in Cleveland 15 years ago. Ferentz coached under Patriots coach Bill Belichick at Cleveland. Ferentz’s son Brian worked in personnel with the New England organization this season.
ESPN’s Chris Mortensen threw Ferentz’s name out there for the Browns’ job Monday night. Ferentz said Tuesday nothing is up.
“Not that I know of,” Ferentz said when asked if he’s been contacted by the Browns. “I don’t expect it.”
Ferentz was then asked if any NFL teams had been in contact. As of early Tuesday, the Browns, Lions and Jets were in search of a coach.
“I’ve made a habit of not commenting on that,” Ferentz said. “I’ve got a great job. I’m happy to have a great job. I’m appreciative of having a great job. I’ve been at Iowa 10 years, so there’s not much else to say about that topic.”
Ferentz, 53, received a one-year contract extension in February. He’ll make in the $3 million range through 2012. Ferentz’s son James is taking a redshirt with the Hawkeyes and will be a freshman offensive lineman next fall.
Boston Herald columnist Ron Borges cited an NFL source familiar with Cleveland’s pursuit of Pioli that said Ferentz would be Pioli’s first choice for coach in Cleveland. His Tuesday column also said Pioli would be given “the funds necessary” to land Ferentz.
ESPN’s Michael Smith said on the network Tuesday that Ferentz was Cleveland’s “primary target.” The Associated Press reported that the Browns are interviewing former Jets coach Eric Mangini. The AP listed these candidates: Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan and Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
All systems go. Tuesday was Iowa’s final full practice before Thursday’s Outback Bowl matchup with South Carolina. The Hawkeyes have a walk-through scheduled for 2 p.m. today at Raymond James Stadium.
The only two players who have been ruled out for the game are reserve offensive linemen Andy Kuempel (shoulder) and Wes Aeschliman (hip). Ferentz said one unnamed special teams player who was in doubt will play.
Linebacker A.J. Edds and safety Brett Greenwood wore red jerseys for no contact during Tuesday’s practice. Both have shoulder injuries but will play.
Referee-gate. Remember the 2006 Outback Bowl? That was when the Hawkeyes apparently recovered an onside kick and gave themselves a chance to tie Florida. But an offsides call on Chad Greenway wiped out the recovery, and Florida hung on, 31-24.
Officials from Conference USA were outmanned during the game, prompting the NCAA to change the rules regarding officials for bowl games.
A crew from the Big East will officiate Thursday’s game.
“I think it’s fair to say at this point — I can’t get in trouble — it was a terrible call,” Ferentz said.
Most Viewed Stories
- Notes: Saunders critical of pass opportunities
- Commentary: Play-call duties at heart of debate
- Recruiting: Lattimore, Fulton venture out of state
- Coming unraveled: Hogs handle Gamecocks
- Soccer: Women win SEC title
- Morris: Lack of progress maddening for USC
- Quarles Spends Saturday Night at Death Valley
- QBs aim to be elite company
- Oh, snap: O-line's crumble continues
- Saunders speaks out: Targets a concern
@Nyx.CommentBody@