Iowa Football Staff Sees Significant Pay Raises Following Successful Season

IOWA CITY, IA – August 5, 2025 – A strong 2024 season has translated into substantial salary increases for several Iowa hawkeyes football staff members, according to newly released figures. The raises stem from the program exceeding seven wins and securing a postseason bowl berth,triggering a pre-persistent increase to the coaching staff’s salary pool,distributed at the discretion of Head Coach kirk Ferentz.

Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker leads the list of recipients, seeing his salary jump from $1,900,000 to $2,052,000.Assistant Head Coach Seth Wallace will move from $1,000,000 to $1,100,000, while Director of Strength and Conditioning Raimond Braithwaite’s salary increases to $850,000 from $835,000.

Further down the list, Special Teams Coordinator LeVar Woods ($775,000 to $825,000), Offensive Line Coach George Barnett ($700,000 to $745,000), and Defensive Line Coach Kelvin Bell ($670,000 to $710,000) also received notable boosts. Assistant Defensive Line Coach/Defensive Recruiting Coordinator Jay Neimann’s salary is rising from $530,000 to $555,000.

Perhaps the most significant increase goes to Chief of Staff and General Manager Tyler Barnes,whose salary nearly doubles from $325,000 to $500,000. Tight Ends/Fullbacks Coach Abdul Hodge ($400,000 to $430,000) and Wide Receivers Coach Jon Budmayr ($375,000 to $395,000) also benefit from the pool increase.

Beyond the Immediate Raises: A Look at Iowa’s Coaching Contracts

These increases are along with previously agreed-upon terms.Offensive Line Coach Lester, for example, saw his salary rise from $1.1 million to $1.3 million – a change already outlined in his initial contract signed in December 2024. Lester’s contract originally extended through June 30, 2026, but was renewed to June 30, 2027, with a unique rolling two-year term. This means the contract will automatically extend for one-year periods each July 1st, unless notice of non-renewal is given.

Investing in the Future: NIL and Scouting

Iowa is also allocating an additional $200,000, effective July 1, 2025, to be used for “additional position needs related to NIL, scouting and/or player personnel.” This demonstrates a clear commitment to adapting to the evolving landscape of college athletics, notably the increasing importance of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals in recruiting and player retention.

The Broader context: Staff Stability and Program Success

Iowa’s consistent investment in its coaching staff underscores the program’s emphasis on stability.Long-tenured coaches like Phil Parker are cornerstones of the Hawkeyes’ success, and rewarding their contributions is seen as vital. The allocation of funds towards scouting and NIL further highlights a proactive approach to maintaining a competitive edge in the big Ten and nationally.As college football continues to undergo rapid change, Iowa’s strategy of rewarding proven staff and investing in future needs positions the program for continued success.

How has Kirk Ferentz’s total compensation changed from 2018 to 2024, and what factors have contributed to this increase?

Iowa Football Coaching Salaries: A Detailed Breakdown

Kirk Ferentz’s contract & Compensation

kirk Ferentz, the long-tenured head coach of the Iowa Hawkeyes, consistently ranks among the highest-paid college football coaches nationally.Understanding his contract is key to deciphering Iowa football coaching salaries.

Base Salary (2024): $7 million. This is the foundational element of his earnings.

Supplemental Compensation: $4.2 million (2024). This includes performance-based bonuses, media appearances, and other benefits.

Total Compensation (2024): $11.2 million. This figure places Ferentz firmly within the top 10 highest-paid coaches in the FBS.

Contract Length: Ferentz signed a 10-year contract extension in February 2024,running through the 2030 season. This provides meaningful stability for the program.

Buyout Clause: A significant buyout clause is included, protecting the university should they choose to terminate his contract early. The amount decreases over time.

While Ferentz’s salary is public knowledge, assistant coach salaries are often less obvious. These figures are based on publicly available data,reports from USA Today,and estimates from college football salary databases. These numbers are subject to change.

Offensive Coordinator Brian Ferentz (Son of Kirk Ferentz): $850,000 (Controversial due to performance concerns, his salary has been a frequent topic of discussion).

Defensive Coordinator Phil Parker: $800,000. Parker is highly regarded and a key component of Iowa’s consistently strong defense.

Running Backs Coach Ladell Betts: $450,000

wide Receivers Coach Abdul Hodge: $400,000

Tight Ends Coach Justin Montgomery: $350,000

Offensive Line Coach george Barnett: $500,000

defensive Line Coach Kelvin bell: $425,000

Linebackers Coach Seth Wallace: $475,000

Cornerbacks Coach Rahsaan Matthews: $400,000

Special Teams Coordinator LeVar Woods: $300,000

Strength and Conditioning Coach Brad Contreras: $325,000

Total Estimated Assistant Coach Salaries: Approximately $5.425 million.

Salary Trends & Ancient Data

Iowa football coaching salaries have steadily increased over the past decade, mirroring the broader trend in college football.

1. 2014: Kirk Ferentz’s total compensation was around $5.5 million.
2. 2018: Ferentz’s salary rose to approximately $7.5 million.
3. 2022: His compensation reached $8.9 million before the latest extension.
4. 2024 (Current): $11.2 million, reflecting his continued success and the escalating market for top college football coaches.

This upward trajectory is driven by factors like increased television revenue, conference expansion, and the competitive landscape for recruiting and retaining coaching talent. The demand for successful college football coaches directly impacts these figures.

Factors Influencing Iowa Football Coaching Salaries

Several key factors contribute to the high salaries paid to Iowa football coaches:

Program Success: Iowa consistently competes for Big Ten championships and bowl games, justifying higher compensation.

Conference Affiliation: Being a member of the Big Ten, a Power Five conference, generates significant revenue.

Recruiting: Attracting top recruits requires a strong coaching staff and competitive salaries.

Market Demand: The overall market for experienced and successful college football coaches is highly competitive.

University Financial Resources: The University of Iowa’s financial stability allows it to invest in its football program.