It was an unofficial class reunion this week at a charity function for four coaches who worked under former Iowa head football coach Hayden Fry. Fry’s successor Kirk Ferentz, Iowa State University’s Dan McCarney and Wisconsin’s Barry Alvarez were once Hawkeye assistants. Oklahoma’s Bob Stoops played for Fry before going into coaching. Alvarez says turning around the Iowa program under Fry set the groundwork for their coaching successes. He says they were all involved in it and learned from Fry.Alvarez says they formed bonds that are still strong today, as he says everyone knew their role and Fry hired people that would get along.Cyclone Dan McCarney says it’s amazing the success they all have after their humble beginnings. He says it’s neat that no one knew anything about them when they started to turn the program around and followed the leadership of Fry. McCarney says they remain in contact with Fry. Ferentz says they try to stay in touch, but the opportunities where they’re all together don’t happen often. Ferentz says their discussions aren’t limited to shop talk, as they talk more about the past and families than anything else. Ferentz is in discussion with Iowa’s athletic director about a new contract. He says he’s confident they can have the details worked out by the time the season starts.The coaches where in town for a Junior Achievement fundraiser.
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