Iowa's Kirk Ferentz Becomes Winningest Coach in Big Ten Conference History
ROSEMONT, Ill. – With a 47-7 win over UMass on Saturday, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz collected his 206th career victory, passing Ohio State’s Woody Hayes to become the winningest coach in Big Ten history.
“On behalf of the Big Ten Conference, I want to congratulate Kirk Ferentz on becoming the winningest head coach in Big Ten football history,” said Big Ten Commissioner Tony Petitti. “This achievement is a testament to his leadership, consistency and commitment to excellence over nearly three decades at the University of Iowa.”
“The impact he has made on student-athletes, colleagues, the sport of football and the Iowa City community is immeasurable. We celebrate this historic milestone and the legacy he continues to build within the Big Ten.”
Ferentz won his 205th game as the Hawkeyes defeated Albany, 34-7, on Aug. 30, tying Hayes for the most by a head coach in all games played while a member of the Big Ten. Last season, he joined the former Buckeye legend as the only Big Ten coaches to win 200 games.
Ferentz now leads a list of head coaches that features Hayes (205), Amos Alonzo Stagg (199), Bo Schembechler (194), Joe Paterno (162), Hayden Fry (143), Henry Williams (136), Robert Zuppke (131), Lloyd Carr (122) and Barry Alvarez (118).
Congratulations to Coach Ferentz from the Big Ten. pic.twitter.com/oz8hlQ8EF4
— Big Ten Conference (@bigten) September 14, 2025
"Makes it even better." 😀
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 14, 2025
We had former @HawkeyeFootball star Anthony Herron ( @BigAntHerron ) leave the booth to interview Kirk Ferentz on his record-breaking night 👇 pic.twitter.com/wsP42BOEj2