This season is what it is.
Next off-season is where it gets interesting. Kirk won't get an extension unless he makes the Big Ten championship game or the playoff this year. Kirk will have four years left on his contract, and she sends a message that there's no extension coming.
2026 is realistically his last potential season because he's not going to be able to recruit with less than four years under contract.
So he'll have to decide if he wants one more year (2026), or does he pull a late spring retirement as a favor to Wallace, to give him tryout as interim head coach for 2026.
I think he pulls a late spring retirement in 2026, and I think Beth humors him with the 2026 Wallace as interim plan.
For 2025, Beth keeps her short list in the desk drawer unless Kirk unexpectedly announces his retirement after the Nebraska game.
Ferentz has no plans to retire anytime soon
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