Kirk Ferentz issues apology for recruiting violation, Seth Wallace named interim coach for season opener
Following news that Iowa Hawkeyes head coach Kirk Ferentz would be suspended for the first game of the 2024 season, he issued an apology for the alleged recruiting violations. He also went on to name Seth Wallace the team’s interim coach for the opener.
Along with Ferentz, assistant coach Jon Budmayr has also been suspended one game for his role in the recruiting violations in question.
“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not,” Kirk Ferentz wrote. “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 Hawkeyes football fans,” Ferentz said. “I know Coach Budmayr echoes those sentiments.”
The recruiting violation in question that led to the suspension of Ferentz was related to quarterback Cade McNamara and his transfer into the program.
Iowa athletic director Beth Goetz also shared her own statement on the situation.
“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction,” Goetz wrote. “I appreciate the accountability demonstrated and will continue to fully corporate 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.”
Kirk Ferentz will miss the team’s Week 1 game on Saturday, August 31st. There, Iowa will host Illinois State.
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Pete Thamel explains Kirk Ferentz suspension, suggests more NCAA suspensions ahead
College football insider Pete Thamel explained the suspension for Kirk Ferentz and suggested that there might be more suspensions ahead.
“It was just kind of run-of-the-mill tampering. I think we’re going to see a few of these as the season heats up here. Look, everyone tampers, and those who get caught – it’s hard to get caught – but they clearly have gotten caught enough to I think where they saw the caliber of opponent in the opener and said, ‘You know what, we’ll fall on the sword here, take the game suspension, and then move on to Big Ten play,’” Thamel said.
“So I know all of your Illinois State fan audience might be offended by that, but that seems to be what happened here.”
Thamel also added that more suspensions from the NCAA could be ahead due to similar issues.
“So I’m not going to tell you that we’re going to see a flurry,” Thamel said. “But I would think an assistant coach here and there, who’s been jammed up on tampering stuff, will see some suspensions here with the season really kicking off with the full slate of games in eight or nine days.