Iowa reaches seven-year deal to keep Ferentz

IOWA CITY, Iowa -- Iowa coach Kirk Ferentz has agreed to a new, seven-year contract that includes the same salary and bonus structures as his previous deal.

Athletic director Gary Barta made the announcement on Thursday. The contract will run through the 2015 season. Last year, Ferentz's average annual salary was $2.84 million.

Under the new agreement, Ferentz's assistant coaches will be eligible for additional compensation for significant achievements.

"As our head coach the past 10 years, he's proven himself to be a winner and a strong leader of the Hawkeye program," Barta said in a statement. "I'm thrilled to have him as Iowa's head football coach."

Last season, Ferentz led the Hawkeyes to a 9-4 record and a 31-10 win against South Carolina in the Outback Bowl on Jan. 2.

Several Iowa players have been arrested in recent years for offenses including credit card fraud and sexual assault.

To help clean up the program, Ferentz approached Barta about hiring someone to help players adjust to college. In September, the university hired Chigozie Ejiasi as director of player development.

Ferentz has a 70-53 record at Iowa, including two Big Ten championships.