Kent State fires coach Kenni Burns with 1-23 record

Field Level Media|published: Fri 11th April, 11:22 2025

Sep 9, 2023; Fayetteville, Arkansas, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes head coach Kenni Burns during the second quarter against the Arkansas Razorbacks at Donald W. Reynolds Razorback Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nelson Chenault-Imagn Images

Kent State fired football coach Kenni Burns on Friday on the heels of a 0-12 season in 2024.

Burns, 41, was placed on administrative leave on March 27 and departs with a 1-23 record in two seasons.

Offensive coordinator Mark Carney will serve as the Golden Flashes' interim coach for the 2025 season.

"At this time, our focus will be to support our student-athletes and provide them with the best opportunity to have a positive and competitive experience," athletic director Randale L. Richmond said in a statement.

The school did not provide a specific reason for Burns' termination. CBS Sports reported in November that he was being sued by an Ohio bank for an unpaid credit card debt of nearly $24,000.

Kent State, which competes in the Mid-American Conference, was outscored by a 529-167 margin in 2024.

The Golden Flashes open the 2025 season against FCS program Merrimack on Aug. 30 in Kent, Ohio.

The school said it will conduct a national search after the season. Kent State alumnus Josh Cribbs, a three-time Pro Bowl receiver who played 10 seasons with the Cleveland Browns, publicly has expressed interest in the job.

--Field Level Media