Bans received by Ferentz and wide receivers coach Budmayr relate to the recruitment of quarterback Cade McNamara.
According to The Athletic , the self-imposed suspension has been prompted by the duo communicating with McNamara prior to the transfer portal opening back in 2022.
McNamara, 24, joined the Hawkeyes program last year following three seasons with Michigan.
In a statement, Ferentz owned up to breaking the rules.
“I frequently tell our players to abide by the rules, and in this instance, I did not,” the 69-year-old confessed.
“In 26 years as 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.”
Iowa’s athletic director Beth Goetz yesterday revealed that the suspensions had been self-imposed, and not placed upon the coaching duo by the NCAA.
“Coach Ferentz and I made the decision to self-impose the penalties, allowing the program to move forward without distraction,” she said.
Ferentz and Budmayr will be absent for the Hawkeyes’ season opener against Illinois State on August 31.
Assistant head coach Seth Wallace is likely to step in as interim boss.
In the buildup to the game, Ferentz assured that it will be business as usual.
“It’s my plan to coach the team during the week, and as of midnight next Friday, I’ll be removed for 24 hours,” he revealed.
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“I won’t be in the stadium with them.”
Ferentz and Budmayr will step back into their roles after the game.
The pair will return to game day duties when the Hawkeyes play Iowa State on September 7.
McNamara is set to enter his second season with Iowa.
His first campaign was curtailed after just five games, when he tore his ACL against Michigan State.
He will face a battle for the starting position this year, with new recruit Brendan Sullivan also vying for the spot.
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