ferentz and his wife, mary, have five children: brian, kelly, joanne, james, and steven. brian was a starting offensive lineman on the 2005 iowa football team, a practice squad player for the atlanta falcons and new orleans saints. since the 2012 season, brian has served as the offensive line coach for iowa. in january 2017, brian was named the offensive coordinator. from 2008 – 2011, brian was a coach for the new england patriots, including one record-breaking season as tight ends coach. james was a second team all-big ten center in 2012. additionally, james became a super bowl champion with the denver broncos following the 2015 season and again following the 2018 season with the new england patriots. kelly earned her jd and mha degrees from iowa in 2010–11 and joanne earned her bachelor's degree from iowa in 2010. steven graduated in 2017 and was a member of the football team.