For the entirety of the 21st century, there has been an unbreakable sameness to Iowa football. In many ways, that continuity has been the Hawkeyes’ greatest competitive strength. While leaders and playing styles came and went around the Big Ten, Iowa’s identity remained rooted.
But roots can twist as they grow deeper. Continuity can become corrosive. An organizational strength can become so ossified that it turns into a weakness.
Kirk Ferentz has been the head coach since 1999, and he’s built a cocoon of familiarity around himself. His defensive coordinator, Phil Parker, has been with him the entire time in various capacities.