IOWA CITY, Iowa — Kirk Ferentz has a new contract that will likely keep him with Iowa through the rest of his career.

Iowa announced Tuesday that it has signed Ferentz to a six-year contract extension through the 2025 season.

Ferentz, who is in his 18th season leading the Hawkeyes, will see his salary jump to $4.5 million per year under the new deal, with performance bonuses yet to be detailed.

Ferentz, who coached at Maine from 1990-92, said he doesn’t consider early 2026, which is when his contract ends, to be the end date on his tenure in Iowa City.

“I’m not big on caps of any sort. We’ll just take it week by week and year by year,” said Ferentz. “I’ve never felt better, physically and mentally.”

Ferentz’s last contract, which was for 10 years at roughly $40 million, was set to expire in early 2020.

Ferentz’s massive buyout was subject to scrutiny under his previous deal, but a series of changes made by Ferentz – earning him the nickname “New Kirk” – led to a 12-2 season and a trip to the Rose Bowl.

Athletic Director Gary Barta said that the buyout in Ferentz’s new deal is similar to the previous one, though he didn’t offer further specifics.

Ferentz and Oklahoma’ Bob Stoops are the nation’s longest-tenured coaches, having been hired within days of each other in 1999.