Ferentzes on Ferentzes

LOS ANGELES — Kirk Ferentz often is asked about his sons. Brian, James and Steve have played for him. Brian is his offensive line coach and Steve is a junior offensive lineman.

This is what happens when your sons have played for you. People want to know how that worked. It's an incredibly unique situation.

During Tuesday's Rose Bowl media day, Ferentz diverted the conversation to his daughters. Yes, he and his wife Mary have two daughters, Joanne and Kelly.

'We're just really proud,' Ferentz said. 'We've got one daughter (Kelly) who's a student. She went to law school and got a master's in public health. She's working in Des Moines and doing really well. I've got a daughter (Joanne) who is an excellent teacher. I'd love to be in her classroom.'

And, yes, there are the football brothers, too.

James, a three-year starting center for the Hawkeyes from 2010-12, made the active roster for the Denver Broncos this season.

'I've got a guy playing football that is doing a good job,' Kirk said.

Brian was Iowa's O-line coach in 2012 for James' last season. And, of course, there's some kidding to be done here.

Is Steven easier to coach than James was?

'Much easier,' Brian said with a laugh. 'He's much more receptive to coaching, which has been nice.'

Steve has worked his way up the depth chart at center and guard. He started his career at Iowa as a 230-pound walk-on tight end.

'He's done a nice job for us,' Brian said. 'It's hard to talk about him because he is your brother. But you're talking about a guy who's come a long way. He was a walk-on tight end at 230 pounds. He's grown into an offensive lineman. Certainly, he can compete for any spot on that depth chart next year on the inside.'

Kirk on Steve: 'A young guy who's still in school here and loving every day.'

Brian has become a key cog on Iowa's staff. This winter, in addition to O-line coach, he was named run game coordinator. The players have talked a few times this season about how that's helped sew things together. It's good when the fullback knows what the right guard is trying to do and vice versa.

'Really proud of what Brian's done,' Kirk said. 'Selfishly, I'm appreciative because we had a great coaching staff. Every guy on the staff plays a critical role, and certainly Brian does as well. So appreciative of what all the coaches contribute.'

Ferentz was asked if he sees a 'young Kirk' in Brian. As always when the family topic comes up, Kirk leans on self-deprecation. He clearly is proud, but not terribly comfortable talking about it, especially on a stage in Los Angeles with four cameras staring at him and a room filled with media from everywhere.

'Kids in general are way smarter today than when I was a kid,' Kirk said. 'He's like light years ahead of where I was, but that's not saying a lot. I'm a slow learner. Slow reader and a slow learner.'

The conversation did, however, start on a sincere note.

'Mary and I have raised five children. And, you know, I'm kind of taking some liberty there,' Kirk said. 'Mary's raised five children. I've been a bystander, I guess, in a lot of ways, but all five of the kids are very different. Really proud of all five of them. I think her encouragement, and my encouragement has been whatever it is you choose to do, try to do it well.'

l Comments: (319) 398-8256; marc.morehouse@thegazette.com