Speaking on the first day of the early signing period, Iowa head football coach Kirk Ferentz made waves on Wednesday, confirming that he intends to return in 2026 and that he has no inclination of retiring any time soon.The 2026 campaign would be Ferentz’s 28th season at the helm of the Hawkeyes and would extend his record as college football’s longest-tenured head coach, where he holds a 212-128 (134-91 Big Ten) record and an all-time head coaching mark of 224-149, including his three seasons as Maine’s head coach from 1990-92. Ferentz is under contract through the 2029 college football season. Not including bonuses, Ferentz is set to earn $7,175,000 this season per USA TODAY Sports.The news has certainly generated an abundance of chatter throughout social media, with the Hawkeyes’ fan base feeling the full range of emotions.Iowa has won 97 games since Kirk Ferentz turned 60. https://t.co/G1DoDKqF2E— Mitch Fick (@MCFick) December 3, 2025Kirk Ferentz is returning for the 2026 Iowa football season Brought in one of his best classes ever, Oline reloads, RB room is stacked, Hecklinski is a good QB, RVZ is goated, DB room reloads, young LBs have All-American talent, and edge rushers reload2026 National Champions https://t.co/EvqXqiPyRupic.twitter.com/XlKbQ54BvC— The Analyst (@analyst4sports_) December 3, 2025Don’t take these wins for granted, Hawkeye friends.It doesn’t take much for a program in our region to fall off. Just look at Nebraska or Wisconsin.Kirk Ferentz is a consistent winner. 8+ wins in each of last 10 full seasons. We’re lucky to have him. pic.twitter.com/fs8a54gzMu— HAWK_GUYS (@HAWK_GUYS) November 28, 2025Kirk Ferentz telling Iowa he’s coming back to coach another year 🤝 Me telling the fellas I’m good to play golf on a Sunday “got permission from the wife” https://t.co/kOWMJupYte— Robby Kalland (@RKalland) December 3, 2025Kirk Ferentz 🤝 Fine WineBeyond thrilled this man continues to lead Iowa Football, and I’d go as far as saying that Iowa fan who isn’t is out of their mind (respectfully). https://t.co/7HqYrzvBG4— Jordan Loperena (@JordanLoperena) December 3, 2025This doesn’t get talked about enough.Kirk Ferentz is definitely part of a dying breed. Stayed in one place since last century. Going back to Hayden Fry — Iowa has had TWO head football coaches in over 45 years. https://t.co/aozrrUwayC— Madison (@levineps) December 4, 2025kirk ferentz in 2076 at the ripe young age of 120 leading the swarm out of the tunnel as the iowa head coach https://t.co/ARfnhGPsiopic.twitter.com/4dpNKSErIO— 𝚃𝙷𝙺 ♚ #FreeJaz (@Tigerhawk_King) December 3, 2025Come on Beth, you gotta fire him them. I’m sick of 8-4— Bob M (@Bobbyoky) December 3, 2025pic.twitter.com/Q2TGneGYUU— No Block💥No Rockᴺᴮᴺᴿ (@NBNRPodcast) December 3, 2025Contact/Follow us @HawkeyesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Iowa news, notes, and opinions.Follow Scout on X: @SpringgateNewsThis article originally appeared on Hawkeyes Wire: Social media celebrates Kirk Ferentz’s 2026 Iowa football return