Iowa will enter the 2024 season without coach Kirk Ferentz on the sideline. Ferentz and wide receivers coach Jon Budmayr are serving a university-imposed, one-game suspension for the Hawkeyes’ season opener on Saturday, Aug. 31 against Illinois State.
The suspension stems from the recruitment of quarterback Cade McNamara, who transferred to Iowa from Michigan ahead of the 2023 season. Ferentz owned up to the transgression Thursday during his weekly press conference.
“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not,” Ferentz said. “In 26 years as a head coach at Iowa — and more than four decades as a coach — this is my first potential Level II NCAA infraction. I made a mistake and would like to apologize to our players, university leadership, and our Hawkeye football fans. I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments.”
Ferentz, 69, is entering his 26th season leading the Iowa football program as the longest-tenured coach in college football. He’s compiled a 196-119 record, and the Hawkeyes are coming off a 2023 season in which they won the Big Ten West before losing to Michigan in the Big Ten Championship Game.
“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction,” Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz said. “I appreciate the accountability demonstrated and we will continue to fully cooperate with the NCAA through this process. I have confidence in Coach Ferentz and his leadership, and we look forward to turning our focus to the opening game and exciting season that lies ahead.”
Ferentz did note that McNamara is in pole position for the Hawkeyes’ starting job, though both he and Northwestern transfer Brendan Sullivan have…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/iowas-kirk-ferentz-takes-accountability-for-recruiting-violations-leading-to-suspension-i-made-a-mistake/
Author : Will Backus
Publish date : 2024-08-22 20:04:09
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