Kirk Ferentz currently ranks ninth on the list of highest paid college football coaches, pulling in just over $4.07 million per year. But few coaches tenured as long as Ferentz have produced so many average seasons through their careers.

Ferentz has been the head coach at Iowa since 1999 and in that time has recorded a 115-85 record with the team. His best stretch was from 2002-04 when the Hawkeyes boasted a 31-7 record in three years, winning two bowl games while making two BCS bowl appearances. Iowa finished with a No. 8 ranking in each of those three seasons. Ferentz has had just two other seasons with the Hawkeyes (2008, 2009) in which they’ve won more than eight games.

The 59-year-old coach has had inconsistent success in 16 seasons with the team, and 2015 may be the year which the athletic department makes a decision about the future of the program.

Ferentz made a decision in January to make an adjustment to the depth chart, bumping quarterback CJ Beathard to the top over two-year starter Jake Rudock. Subsequently, Rudock transferred to Michigan and will be eligible to play immediately. Expectations are that Rudock will be the starter for the Wolverines this upcoming season under new head coach Jim Harbaugh.

The decision to make a change at the quarterback position can be effective, but it’s also risky. Should Rudock have a great year with the Wolverines and Beathard have a disappointing campaign with the Hawkeyes, the decision to make the change could be one that costs a coach his job. On the other hand, making a bold decision like this one could be a great career decision if Iowa has success this season.

Ferentz is a very good coach who has had success at Iowa, but considering that his salary is comparable to the college football elite, the Hawkeyes need to make a quick turnaround in the Big Ten if Ferentz wants to get off the hot seat.