I've been hanging on

Gonzo_Bloor

All-Conference
Jun 30, 2025
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Brands brothers still relatively young (mid-50s) , what would they do if they just walk away? In other words, they aren’t going to walk away on their own.
Upper 50s, but yes. The sad truth is the sport has passed them by. It's not the 1990s where dudes can just jam their foreheads into the other guy's chest and outgrind and expect to win Nattys. Our coaches are lost when it comes to the athletes that are dominating the sport today and the skill sets they bring. Just the truth.
 
Feb 25, 2008
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But it was just bad. You were immediately presented evidence to the contrary,
And I explained that coaches lie, because that is also common knowledge.
which also reinforced simple logic.
The simple logic is that nobody outside of Iowa wants to see Iowa compete for wrestling titles anymore, and they also want it to be Penn State-Oklahoma State, mainly because Taylor, a former PSU guy, is now at Ok State. And I agree with you that the sad obsession the country has with Penn State being these successful overlords of college wrestling needs to die. Iowa has and always will be the rightful bastion for the sport of wrestling.
You tried way too hard.
Hardly..........😉
 

kingstown

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Dec 7, 2025
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Brands brothers still relatively young (mid-50s) , what would they do if they just walk away? In other words, they aren’t going to walk away on their own.
almost 58. This is a high stress demanding job. That is old for guys in a combat sport. There are older head coaches but are there older head/Assistant head coaching combos? Dresser is old but his staff is young. Tom Ryan is old but has younger staff. The two younger guys on Iowa's staff account for very little of the staff salary and both couldn't score a takedown when they competed. None of this is on Star or Bobby. They are not the guys running the show.
 

manatree

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Oct 6, 2021
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I think Beth does it like this:

“Tom, changes need to be made. Look at your staff and make them. If you don’t I will, and the change will be the head coach. “

We’ll see.

If an AD must tell a HC he must make staff changes, that AD has the wrong HC.

The only time an AD should be getting involved with assistants and support staff is if there are ethical or legal issues.

Performance issues are solely on the head coach. It is head coach’s job to manage the staff to ensure the expected level of performance.
 

Sah4719

Redshirt
Jul 9, 2025
9
24
3
The only time an AD should be getting involved with assistants and support staff is if there are ethical or legal issues.

Performance issues are solely on the head coach. It is head coach’s job to manage the staff to ensure the expected level of performance.
I agree with your thoughts, but the Brian Ferentz situation showed us that’s not always the case.
 

sdvike

All-Conference
Feb 23, 2016
803
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Brands brothers still relatively young (mid-50s) , what would they do if they just walk away? In other words, they aren’t going to walk away on their own.
If they want, they would be coaching at a different major div 1 wrestling school.
 

Frydaze

Heisman
Nov 25, 2001
34,257
33,347
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The only time an AD should be getting involved with assistants and support staff is if there are ethical or legal issues.

Performance issues are solely on the head coach. It is head coach’s job to manage the staff to ensure the expected level of performance.
I agree- but we can’t forget Kirk wasn’t the one who fired his son- it was the AD and President. And in the end, that was a performance issue too.
 
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Frydaze

Heisman
Nov 25, 2001
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almost 58. This is a high stress demanding job. That is old for guys in a combat sport. There are older head coaches but are there older head/Assistant head coaching combos? Dresser is old but his staff is young. Tom Ryan is old but has younger staff. The two younger guys on Iowa's staff account for very little of the staff salary and both couldn't score a takedown when they competed. None of this is on Star or Bobby. They are not the guys running the show.
I think you’re right- wrestling coaching is a young man’s game. While Morningstar and Telford are young, clearly their development coaching skills of the guys in the room isn’t up to standard based on results.

With this said, however, the #1 responsibility falls on Tom Brands the HC. He’s ultimately responsible for the downslide- which includes the hiring of his assistants.

There’s no reason to believe anything will change- we saw last night Iowa’s touted and prized 197 true freshman wrestle in far more of a defensive posture than an offensive one. Even Ferrari wrestles far too much on his knee.

In the end, what gets coaches fired more than anything is fan apathy - and that shows up at the gates (attendance). Outside of the PSU meet, I believe the attendance at the other 4 home meets this year is down and it likely will be at the final home meet vs. Michigan.
 

TheREALSpooner

All-Conference
Dec 16, 2022
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Brands brothers still relatively young (mid-50s) , what would they do if they just walk away? In other words, they aren’t going to walk away on their own.

They will be 58 in a couple months. And the simple answer is “coach wrestling.” Tom in particular has had a fairly high paying job for 20 years, especially the last 12 or so. And having been employed by a state institution in Iowa for 30+ years his IPERS is pretty sweet at this point. Doubt he would “need” to do anything.



So, Kirk Ferentz is the wrong HC?

I think that was an incredibly unique situation for many reasons.
 
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Frydaze

Heisman
Nov 25, 2001
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They will be 58 in a couple months. And the simple answer is “coach wrestling.” Tom in particular has had a fairly high paying job for 20 years, especially the last 52 or so. And having been employed by a state institution in Iowa for 30+ years his IPERS is pretty sweet at this point. Doubt he would “need” to do anything.





I think that was an incredibly unique situation for many reasons.
Financially he wouldn’t need to do anything. But I highly doubt Brands is the type who will just sit back, count his money on his couch, take up cooking or painting or travel the world. Those who know him well say he’s wired where he’s always in motion and his life is wrestling. Terry the same way. If Iowa fires him they will both find a new school.
 
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TheREALSpooner

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Dec 16, 2022
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Financially he wouldn’t need to do anything. But I highly doubt Brands is the type who will just sit back, count his money on his couch, take up cooking or painting or travel the world. Those who know him well say he’s wired where he’s always in motion and his life is wrestling. Terry the same way. If Iowa fires him they will both find a new school.

Agreed. So why did you ask? Ha! 😉
 

TheREALSpooner

All-Conference
Dec 16, 2022
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I think you’re right- wrestling coaching is a young man’s game. While Morningstar and Telford are young, clearly their development coaching skills of the guys in the room isn’t up to standard based on results.

With this said, however, the #1 responsibility falls on Tom Brands the HC. He’s ultimately responsible for the downslide- which includes the hiring of his assistants.

There’s no reason to believe anything will change- we saw last night Iowa’s touted and prized 197 true freshman wrestle in far more of a defensive posture than an offensive one. Even Ferrari wrestles far too much on his knee.

In the end, what gets coaches fired more than anything is fan apathy - and that shows up at the gates (attendance). Outside of the PSU meet, I believe the attendance at the other 4 home meets this year is down and it likely will be at the final home meet vs. Michigan.

Paid tickets wise, with one meet to go, Iowa is down 3,000 per meet from a two years ago and 2,000 from last season.

I think the bigger and more important issue is scanned (butts in seats). They don’t always release that info but I have to imagine it is down considerably from two years ago and down from last year as well.
 

Mattski

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Apr 21, 2022
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Brands brothers still relatively young (mid-50s) , what would they do if they just walk away? In other words, they aren’t going to walk away on their own.
As much as I wish 57 was relatively young the reality is it isn't, not in this sport and especially when you don't have young dynamic accomplished assistants helping.
 

Frydaze

Heisman
Nov 25, 2001
34,257
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As much as I wish 57 was relatively young the reality is it isn't, not in this sport and especially when you don't have young dynamic accomplished assistants helping.
I certainly wouldn’t call Morningstar or Telford old, but they certainly aren’t dynamic I agree.
 
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dicemen99

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Nov 15, 2005
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hanging on to what exactly? the 27 and 28 classes that are arguably equal to the classes that PSU gets every year and OSU is now getting every year?
If you think the commits you have in 27 and 28 are even arguably close to what PSU and OK State are bringing in it’s no wonder that you’re really pissed and didn’t see this coming

Iowa better continue to lean into the portal because recruiting is not getting them out of this position anytime soon. The fans may not like it, as it can yield inconsistent results and there are years like this one when you take it on the chin, but right now it’s Iowas best bet by far.

You guys haven’t landed a recruit like PSU and OK State are bringing in since Spencer. Bassett would have changed that, but didn’t. Drake, PK, Gabe the next level of guys, but bringing in one of those guys a year ain’t going to do it. I don’t see anyone in your pipeline that is even that level - well maybe Gabe’s level in a best case scenario. That includes guys that are currently ranked higher than them. EDIT: I forgot about Deluca, who is excellent, but was out of mind because of his injury. I think you’ll be lucky to get one of your future recruits to be as good as him.

Bob gets some guff on here and probably he brings a lot of it on himself with his posts, but he’s not wrong in what he’s doing to keep this program from becoming Minnesota.
 
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ILLHawk135

Junior
Feb 22, 2021
53
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It’s time for a change. The people I’d consider for the job are Dake, Burroughs, Nolf, Steiber, Pat pop, and Askren. I don’t know if any of them would come but offer them a blank check and let’s see what happens.
 
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FanInBlack

All-Conference
Nov 9, 2001
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If you think the commits you have in 27 and 28 are even arguably close to what PSU and OK State are bringing in it’s no wonder that you’re really pissed and didn’t see this coming

Iowa better continue to lean into the portal because recruiting is not getting them out of this position anytime soon. The fans may not like it, as it can yield inconsistent results and there are years like this one when you take it on the chin, but right now it’s Iowas best bet by far.

You guys haven’t landed a recruit like PSU and OK State are bringing in since Spencer. Bassett would have changed that, but didn’t. Drake, PK, Gabe the next level of guys, but bringing in one of those guys a year ain’t going to do it. I don’t see anyone in your pipeline that is even that level - well maybe Gabe’s level in a best case scenario. That includes guys that are currently ranked higher than them. EDIT: I forgot about Deluca, who is excellent, but was out of mind because of his injury. I think you’ll be lucky to get one of your future recruits to be as good as him.

Bob gets some guff on here and probably he brings a lot of it on himself with his posts, but he’s not wrong in what he’s doing to keep this program from becoming Minnesota.
just to be clear Im with you. People bring up those classes like they are a game changer, but PSU does this and better every year.

These are classes Iowa should be getting every year. they dont. that haven't. they wont.
 

heldyhawk606

Senior
Oct 10, 2001
154
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The only time an AD should be getting involved with assistants and support staff is if there are ethical or legal issues.

Performance issues are solely on the head coach. It is head coach’s job to manage the staff to ensure the expected level of performance.
If you think that performance of the program (especially a core program like men's wrestling) isn't something the AD should be concerned with... Now ideally there's are conversations about expectations and how something needs to change as everyone can see gap is widening, other programs are catching (surpassing), attendance is trending down over last couple years. If there needs to be funds to buyout existing contracts, both of the staff currently here, as well as staff elsewhere they would want to bring in, the AD would be involved in that conversation with the HC.
 

Obviously Oblivious

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May 27, 2010
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If you think that performance of the program (especially a core program like men's wrestling) isn't something the AD should be concerned with... Now ideally there's are conversations about expectations and how something needs to change as everyone can see gap is widening, other programs are catching (surpassing), attendance is trending down over last couple years. If there needs to be funds to buyout existing contracts, both of the staff currently here, as well as staff elsewhere they would want to bring in, the AD would be involved in that conversation with the HC.
Waning attendance and fan disinterest is what got Fran fired. It’s the kiss of death and a sure sign that your welcome has been worn out.
 

manatree

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Oct 6, 2021
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If you think that performance of the program (especially a core program like men's wrestling) isn't something the AD should be concerned with... Now ideally there's are conversations about expectations and how something needs to change as everyone can see gap is widening, other programs are catching (surpassing), attendance is trending down over last couple years. If there needs to be funds to buyout existing contracts, both of the staff currently here, as well as staff elsewhere they would want to bring in, the AD would be involved in that conversation with the HC.

Of course the AD is concerned with performance, and those conversations would be with the head coach. I just don’t think that the AD should give two sh!#s as to who the assistants are unless there are legal or ethical issues.

If the AD is convinced that the assistants are incompetent and hurting the program, they should just fire the head coach. The assistants are a reflection of the head coach who hired them. Chances are they will just hire more of the same.
 

heldyhawk606

Senior
Oct 10, 2001
154
434
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Waning attendance and fan disinterest is what got Fran fired. It’s the kiss of death and a sure sign that your welcome has been worn out.
Friend worked at one of the concession stands last night, they cooked less amount of food than statistically would for the amount of tickets "sold" and still had over large number hot dogs and brats left after and that was just one of the booths. So attendance was down, purchases were down, further proof of the fan apathy and disinterest.
 

Libertylover

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Dec 17, 2020
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I agree- but we can’t forget Kirk wasn’t the one who fired his son- it was the AD and President. And in the end, that was a performance issue too.
And the only reason they did is because Brian was supposed to be directly under them, not the head coach. Ferentz would have never fired his son no matter how bad things got. He may have retired to have him take over as head coach, which I’m sure was the plan, and would take attention off what a bad OC he was. If we fire TnT in their 50’s, then she needs to fire Ferentz in his 70’s. Problem with Ferentz is he gets paid millions a year and his agent suckered the old AD into a buyout that makes him untouchable for us.
 

Libertylover

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Dec 17, 2020
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They will be 58 in a couple months. And the simple answer is “coach wrestling.” Tom in particular has had a fairly high paying job for 20 years, especially the last 52 or so. And having been employed by a state institution in Iowa for 30+ years his IPERS is pretty sweet at this point. Doubt he would “need” to do anything.





I think that was an incredibly unique situation for many reasons.
TnT wouldn’t need to do anything, but they look like they have stayed in great physical shape, and still have an obvious passion for the sport and coaching, regardless of recent results. If they didn’t coach D1, they would have to be heavily involved in a club, maybe do some tv color announcer work. They aren’t the sit around and smell the roses type of guys. Could you imagine Tom or Terry with Shane Sparks.
 
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TheREALSpooner

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And the only reason they did is because Brian was supposed to be directly under them, not the head coach. Ferentz would have never fired his son no matter how bad things got. He may have retired to have him take over as head coach, which I’m sure was the plan, and would take attention off what a bad OC he was. If we fire TnT in their 50’s, then she needs to fire Ferentz in his 70’s. Problem with Ferentz is he gets paid millions a year and his agent suckered the old AD into a buyout that makes him untouchable for us.

lol stop. That is not the problem. No one is firing Ferentz, regardless of the buyout.

The KF issue was unique and only barely relatable to assistant wrestling coaches and what’s happening in the wrestling program.
 
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lrtbahawk

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Iowa Swarm member
Dec 31, 2022
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Probably not.

The ego is a hell of a drug. Many examples of once greats losing their edge over time, making it about them, and not making decisions that are best for the organization. This story continues to play out in real time and everyone knows the ending.
Don't know about Tom, BUT I don't believe Terry to be that way..
 

Sir Pin Alot

Senior
Jun 25, 2025
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Friend worked at one of the concession stands last night, they cooked less amount of food than statistically would for the amount of tickets "sold" and still had over large number hot dogs and brats left after and that was just one of the booths. So attendance was down, purchases were down, further proof of the fan apathy and disinterest.
People not being able to stomach what they were watching....
 
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Cobra Kaiowa

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Mar 18, 2024
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And the only reason they did is because Brian was supposed to be directly under them, not the head coach. Ferentz would have never fired his son no matter how bad things got. He may have retired to have him take over as head coach, which I’m sure was the plan, and would take attention off what a bad OC he was. If we fire TnT in their 50’s, then she needs to fire Ferentz in his 70’s. Problem with Ferentz is he gets paid millions a year and his agent suckered the old AD into a buyout that makes him untouchable for us.
Good point on BF, out of curiosity, who does Terry report to?