Kirk Ferentz reacts to Todd Lickliter's firing

Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz reacted to former men's basketball coach Todd Lickliter's firing during his spring football news conference Wednesday. Ferentz said he hopes to maintain his friendship with Lickliter regardless of where the former men's basketball coach ends up.

"I don't know if surprised is the right word," Ferentz told reporters after his news conference. "I think there has been enough written about everything, and I'm sure more has been talked about, but I guess my only comment is I enjoyed our friendship and I hope it continues. I just think Todd's an excellent coach. Things didn't work out the way anybody wanted to, I think everyone would be in agreement on that. But I would also say that here's a guy who's coached in a couple Sweet Sixteens. I don't know how many people in the state of Iowa have been to a Sweet Sixteen twice in the last 10 years. I don't know how many coaches, I haven't looked that up, have coached in a couple Sweet Sixteens. My guess is the list of guys who've been to multiple ones is a list of pretty good coaches. I'm hopeful that he gets another opportunity. I just hope it works out great for him. I'm a fan."

Iowa Athletics Director Gary Barta fired Lickliter on March 15. Wednesday was Ferentz's first public appearance since the firing.

In front of the cameras, Ferentz was asked about Lickliter's dismissal as well. Here's what he said:

"Needless to say, sorry about the situation, the way it developed, with Todd Lickliter," Ferentz said. "Todd has been a great friend and will continue to be. I've got tremendous respect for him as a basketball coach. It didn't work out, obviously, the way anyone wanted it to. I don't think there's any question about Todd's coaching ability, his integrity. Just a tremendous coach. I wish him and his family all the best, certainly."