(David K Purdy/Getty Images)
By Hanna Park
(IOWA CITY, Iowa) Iowa football coach Kirk Ferentz has tested positive for COVID-19, the University of Iowa announced Friday.
Ferentz, 65, tested positive Thursday during the Big Ten Conference’s daily testing, with results confirmed by a PCR test, according to Hawk Central. He is asymptomatic and will remain home until Dec. 27.
"We have been fortunate this season to have played eight games and to have very few positive cases," Ferentz said in a statement. "When the team returns to practice on Tuesday, I will participate via zoom and our collective focus will be on preparing for the bowl game."
Ferentz was reportedly coughing regularly during a news conference with reporters on Wednesday and again that night on his weekly radio show with host Gary Dolphin.
Iowa, which has a 6-2 record and ranks No. 16 in the College Football Playoff rankings, canceled its home game with Michigan because of COVID-19 issues. The Hawkeyes will learn its bowl invitation Sunday.
Players, coaches, and staff members are tested daily for the Big Ten Conference return to play protocols.