Tom Allen- Head Coach- Indiana University. Kent State set the program record for plays (1,052), yards (6,907), first downs (362), rushing yards (3,482) and passing yards (3425). Football Scoop identified Burns as one of their Rising Stars amongst minority coaches. Over the last six seasons, hes become one of Flecks most important assistants and was the chief architect of the Golden Gophers number 11 rushing attack in the nation this season. Washington won 45-20. Those arent prime places for recruiting, so Burns will be prepared to recruit at Kent State. I checked with my sources to find out about the 39-year-old Burns and what made him so appealing to Kent State and athletic director Randale Richmond. Burns brings with him a strong track record of recruiting, developing and culture-building, as he has been part of Fleck's noted "Row The Boat" program for seven seasons. Chris Klieman Head Coach-Kansas State University. Kent looked deep into Burns background. Kent State has long been one of the MAC's most challenging jobs, as Lewis' two bowl appearances there matched the total in the history of a program that began in 1962. Those numbers were fueled by a fast-paced offense that led the nation in offensive snaps per game (87.8). Lewis background stretches from his four-year playing career at the University of Wisconsin under Barry Alvarez, to winning the 2015 Mid-American Conference (MAC) Championship as the co-offensive coordinator at Bowling Green. 6 in Stewart Mandels early top 25 for 2023, one spot ahead of where it finished in the final AP poll for 2022. He earned his B.A. Dix Stadium was the site of some very good football the last few years with Sean Lewis as coach. Sanders proved to be a prolific recruiter at Jackson State; Travis Hunter, the No. Over the last six seasons, he's become one of Fleck's most important assistants and was the chief architect of the Golden Gophers' number 11 rushing attack in the nation this season. Kent State is in great hands with Kenni as he has prepared his entire career for this moment and is ready to take on this challenge. Its important to note with Cephas, who is still at Kent State this spring semester. The Nittany Lions are now halfway there with the addition of Cephas, who committed Sunday night within an hour of James Franklin announcing the firing of Stubblefield. Kenni is an elite coach and I am thrilled for him, his family and for Kent State. He inherited a position group that was on shaky footing, as an unproven Jahan Dotson had to develop and become the No. Page 37", "1978 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "1979 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Ron Blackledge Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "The Lewiston Daily Sun - Google News Archive Search", "1981 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "1982 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Daily Kent Stater 15 March 1983 Kent State University", "1983 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "1984 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "1985 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Dick Scesniak Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Daily Kent Stater 25 August 1986 Kent State University", "1987 Kent State Golden Flashes Stats - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Ohio State Reportedly to Hire ASU's Cooper; Kansas Job to Mason", "Tide's Nick Saban learned from coaching legend James", "Daily Kent Stater 19 January 1988 Kent State University", "Dick Crum Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Daily Kent Stater 16 November 1990 Kent State University", "1997 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Jim Corrigall Coaching Record - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "KSU enjoys first-ever Dix Stadium sellout", "Doug Martin stepping down as Kent State head football coach", "Doug Martin to resign as head football coach", "Sources: Kent State hires OSU's Hazell as coach", "Ohio St. assistant Hazell takes over at Kent St", "Kent State dominates Akron to maintain possession of Wagon Wheel", "Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule 2011", "Kent State gets first ever win over ranked foe by dropping Rutgers", "2012 NCAA Football Rankings Week 10 (Oct. 28)", "Kent State football team ranked in AP poll for first time since 1973", "Kent State Wins MAC East Division With Thrilling 3124 Win Over Bowling Green", "2012 NCAA Football Rankings Week 13 (Nov. 18)", "Kent State Completes Best Football Season in School History", "What We Learned: As top of BCS holds, bottom may lead to armageddon", "GoDaddy.com Bowl: Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Arkansas State Red Wolves", "Purdue hires Kent State's Hazell as new coach", "Darrell Hazell pulled double-duty for Kent State, Purdue", "Kent State hires Paul Haynes as football coach", "2013 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "2014 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "2015 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "2016 Kent State Golden Flashes Schedule and Results - College Football at Sports-Reference.com", "Kent State Football to Undergo Change in Leadership", "Kent State Clinches First-Ever MAC East Championship with 31-24 Win at Bowling Green: Kent State University Athletics", "Football beats Miami, advances to MAC Championship", "Wagon Wheel battle holds its own place among rivalries", "Football Hosts Akron in Battle for the Wagon Wheel", "2012 University of Akron Football Media Guide", "Winsipedia - Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Akron Zips football series history", "Winsipedia - Kent State Golden Flashes vs. Of Penn States 23 signees, 11 are on campus this winter. Dotson did just that, but in many ways the uncertainty with the position group is there again now with Parker Washington and Mitchell Tinsley off to the NFL and Penn State needing an instant-impact transfer like Cephas. Support cleveland.com, P.J. Cephas, a Pittsburgh native who totaled 1,948 yards over the past two seasons at Kent State, was a must-have addition for Penn State. Fleck for the past six seasons and is in his 15th year as a college coach. Director of Lisa Scalfaro Kent State athletic director Randale Richmond announces Kenni Burns as the head football coach. Penn State has never been. Jon Sauber. There he was part of a staff that went 43-2 over four seasons. Richards was led by veteran Gary Korhonen, who earned National High School Coach of the Year honors from both the National Football Hall of Fame and the National High School Coaches Association. Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Kenni will do it his way! 2. Sources told ESPN that one of the appeals of Lewis working in Colorado was that breakneck pace, combined with the altitude in Boulder, will wreak havoc on opposing defenses. Stoops held numerous college football coaching positions with schools like The University of Iowa, Kent State University, and Kansas State University before landing a head coach position with Oklahoma in 1999. 9. Penn State defense is prepared to create havoc, reload in secondary: 2023 first thoughts. Guardians signing Josh Bell exactly the right move for them, Baker Mayfield waived by Carolina, and I have compassion for him, A Deshaun Watson Free Zone: Scribbles about things that went right for the Browns in Houston. New Colorado Buffaloes head coach Deion Sanders is introduced in a news conference Sunday. He followed Craig Bohl and the North Dakota State coaching staff to Wyoming after the 2013 season, serving as the Cowboys' wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator in 2014. Hall of Famer Mary Kay Cabot has covered the Browns for 31 years, her story. Penn State wanted to add at least two wide receivers after signing four-star wide receiver Carmelo Taylor in December. His units paved the way for the No. Tailback Rodney Smith also left school as one of the most productive backs in Minnesota history under Burns' watch. If Sanders can draw elite athletes to Boulder, Lewis' system should be able to highlight them. Im thankful for many things, and you the readers are a big part of that. Coach of the Year. Kent State needs a new football coach: How about Vince Kehres? Kenni Burns was named the 23rd head football coach in Kent State football history, on December 14, 2022. Need a break from the Browns, how about reading about the Guardians? Chris Klieman Head Coach-Kansas State University. This is a tremendous hire and the Golden Flashes are getting someone who has meant a lot to our program, who excels at connecting with his players and getting the most out of them on the field, in the classroom and in the community. (0:57). For news and updates on the Kent State Golden Flashes, visit KentStateSports.com and follow us on Twitter @KentStAthletics. Lewis spent his previoussix seasons alongside head coach Babers at Syracuse (2016-17), Bowling Green (2014-15) and Eastern Illinois(2012-13). He had Big Ten stars Rodney Smith and Mohamed Ibrahim. 2 overall recruit in the ESPN 300 last year, chose Jackson State over Georgia and Florida State. How about a catcher? Director of Athletics - Randale L. Richmond, Learfield IMG College - Corporate Partners, Organizational Chart-Sports Administrators, Play As One: The Strategic Plan for the Athletic Department, TicketSmarter - Official Ticket Resale Market of the Golden Flashes, 2022 Athletics Scholarship Auction: Tickets and Registration, TicketSmarter Official Ticket Resale Market of the Golden Flashes, Kent Sportswear - Official Team Shop of Kent State Athletics, Official UA Sideline Gear and Accessories, Kent Sportswear: Official Team Shop Of Kent State Athletics. "We want to thank If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. The on-field identity of Deion Sanders' Colorado program took form Monday, as sources told ESPN that the Buffaloes are hiring Kent State head coach Sean Lewis to be the Kent State University is looking for a new head football coach. Wide receiver Ervin Philips earned All-ACC Second Team honors and was named Walter Camp Connecticut Player of the Year after making 89 catches for 904 yards. Burns was making $400,000 at Minnesota. Burns was named to Bruce Feldmans Hot Assistants to watch in his 2022 annual article for The Athletic. Sean Lewis became Kent State University's 22nd head football coach on Dec. 21, 2017. Lewis transitioned to the college level in 2010 as tight ends coach at Division II Nebraska Omaha. Penn State is No. Noah Cain dealt with numerous injuries and then was the first to depart what became a crowded backfield, though it quickly thinned. 2) and Michigan (No. Kent State football (19201929) Paul G. Chandler, Kent State's first football coach The Kent State football program represented Kent State Normal College (later Kent State University) in American football during its first decade from 1920 to 1929. The 750 yards are the most in an FBS regulation game in the 2019 season. KENT- Sean Lewis has tendered his immediate resignation as head football coach at Kent State, ending a five-year run as head coach of the Golden Flashes. I am happy for Kenni to get the opportunity to lead the Kent State program. With the Golden Gophers, Burns coached Rodney Smith, the program's all-time leader in all-purpose yards and second on the Minnesota career rushing list. Nick Saban, head coach of the Alabama Crimson Tide; former head coach of the LSU Tigers, Michigan State Spartans and Toledo Rockets (college), and Miami Dolphins ( NFL) 40 Kent State alumni have either played in or are playing in the National Football League although as noted below, not all of them played football at the school. His success there belies his record (24-31), as he won the program's first bowl game and reached the MAC title game last year. 5. With Jake Pinegar not returning for an extra season, Penn State will have a new field goal kicker and kickoff specialist. 1. Kent State posted more than 50 points for the first time since 2008 and the first time at Dix Stadium since 2004. Burns next stop was with Fleck at Western Michigan, and this seemed to begin his path to becoming a head coach. The good news: Browns win. Watch our How-To Videos to Become a Stathead, Subscribe to Stathead and get access to more data than you can imagine. 4 in pay for assistant coaches last year. Head Football Coach Kenni Burns was named the 23 rd head football coach in Kent State football history, on December 14, 2022. He helped North Dakota State to three consecutive FCS national titles, and also coached receivers at Wyoming. Lewis was the youngest head coach in the country when he got the Kent job at age 31 in December 2017. Lewis, 31, to become the youngest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head coach in the nation. Kent State Golden Flashes Coaches Seasons: 61 (1962 to 2022) Record (W-L-T): 225-446-5 Conferences: MAC Conf. Highlighting that streak was a 2021 Mid-American Conference East Division crown and the program's second trip to the conference title game. 8. Burns and his wife Ciara have a daughter (Raziah) and a son (Kohen). You "They'll be able to get players and play in a wide-open passing attack. 6 in Stewart Mandels early top 25 for 2023, one spot ahead of where it finished in the final AP poll for 2022. Highlighting the record-setting season was when Kent State tied the program single-game record in points (69) and touchdowns (10) in the Wagon Wheel rivalry victory. "They'll play with pace and tempo and try and spread the field all 53 and a third," another MAC coach said. In each of the last two years, the Flashes have had over 20 players on the roster who had already earned their undergraduate degree, one of the top marks in the FBS. Burns comes to Kent from the University of Minnesota where he has served as assistant head coach since 2019 and running backs coach under P.J. We have a lot of work and recruiting to do, and I can't wait to get started.". According to ESPN Stats & Information research, it averaged 30.1 seconds of real time between snaps. Burns is from Illinois and played collegiately at Indiana. Kenni is more than prepared to take on the role of head coach at Kent State University and I am sure he and Ciara are excited to join some of the all-time greats affiliated "I am looking forward to getting to know the team and connecting with them on a personal level, and I am also excited to engage our alumni and fans as we begin to move this program forward. All rights reserved (About Us). That ascension led Lewis to becoming the youngest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head coach in the nation at the age of 31. Thats a significant number, and its a big reason why at least a handful of players in this class could have the chance to contribute in their first season. Though the Nittany Lions have several underclassmen who could emerge, Lambert-Smith (24 catches) and Harrison Wallace III (19) are the only returning wide receivers who had double-digit catches in 2023. Lewis was also on the staff during Jimmy Garoppolo's tenure at Eastern Illinois. But he also wants to merge it with FlashFAST, the uptempo offense installed by Lewis that led to four consecutive winning seasons in the MAC. In his two years with Southern Illinois, the Salukis had a fullback and a tight end on the all-conference team both seasons. He completed his degree in general studies with a concentration in political science and a minor in African American Studies. That was what I was thinking when reports came out that Kent State had hired Kenni Burns as the new head football coach. The early enrollees are getting acclimated, while many NFL and transfer portal decisions have been made. What a night for the Browns, who played the game they way they should. Mark Coyle- University of Minnesota Director of Athletics: Kent State has made a great choice in Kenni Burns. He came into the interview with the theme being Kent Grit. A tough, cold-weather Midwestern team. Will there be basketball success for Cleveland State after Dennis Gates? Former Kent State head coach Sean Lewis will join Deion Sanders' staff in Colorado. At North Dakota State, he coached five All-Missouri Valley wide receivers in his four seasons. In 2015, Bowling Green ranked fourth in the nation in total offense (546.8) and sixth in scoring offense (42.2 ypg). "Kenni has been a key contributor to championship teams at every stop and was the most prepared candidate in the country to be a first-time head coach. The official 2022 Football Roster for the Kent State University Golden Flashes. That 2019 season started a three-year stretch where the Flashes finished .500 or better, a mark that hadn't been accomplished since 1972-74 under College Football Hall of Fame head coach Don James. Should we worry as NBA reality hits the Cavaliers? His units paved the way for the #5 rushing attack in the FCS in 2009, averaging over 222 yards per game. "I am excited and humbled to lead the Kent State football program. In some cases, they emerged as standouts. The Golden Flashes captured their first East Division title since 2012 and played in the conference title game for the third time in program history. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Coach Burns, his wife, Ciara, and their two children, will no doubt have an immediate impact on the program. The Flashes had two games with over 600 yards of total offense including a 750-yard outburst against Bowling Green. Burns has been a linchpin member of P.J. 2) and Michigan (No. Lewis was making $530,000 at Kent, and will likely receive a significant raise at Colorado, which gave Sanders a $5 million budget for assistant coaches. In the season before, Cephas had 82 receptions for 1,240 yards and nine touchdown catches, becoming the first Kent State wide receiver to surpass 1,000 yards receiving in the Burns' student-athletes have excelled under his tutelage. Some departing transfers, like Justin Shorter and Ricky Slade, were looking for a fresh start. Syracuse quarterbacks ranked 11thin the nation in passing. Kent State has hired Minnesota associate head coach Kenni Burns to become the new head coach of the Golden Flashes, it was announced Wednesday. The Gophers rushing attack has gained over 2,000 yards in every full season during his tenure and has averaged at least 170 yards per game. From the time I started working with him at North Dakota State in 2011, it was evident that he was a high-energy, driven coach that builds great relationships with his players. Jon Sauber covers Penn State football and mens basketball for the Centre Daily Times. They complete in the Mid-American Conference and the East division. Whoever Franklin hires to lead the receiving corps inherits a group has much to prove. Email. Burns also interviewed for the head coaching job at Arizona State, which went to Kenny Dillingham. The offense continued to take big strides in 2019, improving from 22 points per game in conference play in 2018 to over 34 points in 2019. Fleck for the past six seasons and is in his 15th year as a college coach. I have no doubt that Kenni and his staff will build upon the solid foundation of Kent State Football as we continue to graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport and win championships.". During Lewis first season with the Orange in 2016, its offense set or tied over 40 program records including most passing yards in a season (3,855). Kent States five-win improvement to 7-6 was tied for eighth-best in the FBS in 2019. What happened after the Browns returned from the Bye Week? Sean brings an innovative style of football to Kent State with an offensive system that is proven in the MAC. Lewis and his staff guided the Golden Flashes to the program's first-ever bowl win, a 51-41 triumph over Utah State in the 2019 Tropical Smoothie Caf Frisco Bowl. Kent liked the cold weather background of Burns, who played at Indiana. He arrived in 2020 looking for stability after bouncing around from job to job. Neither do we. Burns was also a member of Flecks staff at Western Michigan in 2016, helping the Broncos finish the season ranked 26th, win the Mid-American Conference Championship and earn a berth in the Cotton Bowl. He made his first MAC stop in 2011 as a graduate assistant for Akron. Well see what Franklin has in mind. Burns was also a member of Fleck's staff at Western Michigan in 2016, helping the Broncos finish the season ranked 26th, win the Mid-American Conference Championship and earn a berth in the Cotton Bowl. As a matter of policy, Sports Reference only reports the results of games as played on the field. Burns spent 2016 with P.J. Will Dilfer have success at UAB. Lewis played tight end and quarterback at Wisconsin under offensive coordinator Paul Chryst, an unusual incubator for a hyper-tempo offense. KENT- The Kent State Golden Flashes have named Kenni Burns as the 23rd head football coach in program history, announced on Wednesday by Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond . If you or a loved one has questions and needs to talk to a professional about gambling, call the Ohio Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-589-9966 or the National Council on Program Gambling Helpline (NCPG) at 1-800-522-4700. 7. News never stops. Browns defense soars! 6. In 2021, Lewis led the Golden Flashes to a 7-7 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Mid-American Conference. Manny Diaz was quick to point out last month that this isnt fantasy football. Lewis' offenses at Kent finished in the top five in total offense in both 2020 and '21. Gotta Love It! Players like Malick Meiga and Dominic DeLuca who were instrumental on special teams this past season will have to continue to make a big impact on coverage units. You stack up the places hes coached: Minnesota, Western Michigan, Wyoming, South Dakota State and Southern Illinois. 1971 Kent State Coaching Staff Football Coaches & Staff 1971 Kent State Nick Sabans Coaching Tree and History February 15, 2021 THS 89/100 Alabamas Last Game: National Champions | W 31-14 Notre Dame | W 52-24 Ohio State 13-0 | Season Record (Win Expectations: 14.8) 165-23 | Nick Sabans Record with Alabama (0.878%) 256-65 Wide receiver Steve Ishmael broke the single-season program records for catches (105) and yards (1,347), earned second-team All-America honors and was a semifinalist for the Biletnikoff Award. I have no doubt that Kenni and his staff will build upon the solid foundation of Kent State Football as we continue to graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport and win championships.". Sean Lewis Named New Kent State Head Football Coach. Updated: Dec 14, 2022 / 07:18 PM EST. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. John Cunningham- University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics: Kenni is a tremendous coach and an even better person. We ask that you consider turning off your ad blocker so we can deliver you the best experience possible while you are here. Ranking college football's 66 best transfers: Who is making moves after bowl season. Colorado will owe Kent State $750,000 as part of Lewis' buyout, ESPN reported. It was Burns leadership ability that impressed Fleck, causing him to promote Burns to assistant head coach. 1 receiver. Phone. Kenni is one of the bright, young minds in our game. At North Dakota State, he coached five All-Missouri Valley wide receivers in his four seasons. "Kenni has been a key contributor to championship teams at every stop and was the most prepared candidate in the country to be a first-time head coach," Richmond said. He and his wife, Sarah, have two children. (Maria Lysaker / USA Today), commitment from former Kent State wide receiver Dante Cephas, North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck. Thompson, Cephas and North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck will now have that chance too. That distinction was previously held by the University of Oklahomas Lincoln Riley at age 34. Burns was extremely prepared for his interview. Fleck with Kenni Burns (L). Fleck, Burns won three national championships with the North Dakota State Bison, serving as wide receivers coach from 2010-13. ThePanthers made the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs both seasons and reached the quarterfinals in 2013 with a 12-2 mark. He replaces Sean Lewis, who was hired by new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders as the offensive coordinator. 5 rushing attack in the FCS in 2009, averaging over 222 yards per game. Lewis' fidelity to tempo led to one of the best runs of football in recent generations at Kent State. With the Golden Gophers, Burns coached Rodney Smith, the programs all-time leader in all-purpose yards and second on the Minnesota career rushing list. 10. Penn State followed that loaded 2022 class with a solid 2023 group, ranked 14th. They'll be explosive, athletic and attacking. He started early in his coaching career at Eastern Illinois with Dino Babers, who is a former Baylor assistant and passed on the high-octane offense to Lewis. Burns comes to Kent from the University of Minnesota where he has served as assistant head coach since 2019 and running backs coach under P.J. This year, Kent State finished with the fastest offense in the Group of 5 and the fourth-fastest offense in college football. Of course, Ohio State (No. Quarterback Dustin Crum was named the Vern Smith Leadership Award winner for MAC Most Valuable Player. Kent liked the cold weather background of Burns, who played at Indiana. Lewis served as co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach for Matt Johnson, that seasons MAC Offensive Player of the Year. In 2020, the Golden Flashes led the nation in scoring (49.8 points per game) when Kent State played a MAC-only schedule in the COVID-19-shortened season. Do you have a blog? Trying to make sense of the Browns first eight games. "It makes sense," said a MAC coach who has faced Lewis. Kent State went 5-3 in Mid-American Conference play, the five wins in conference play were the most since that magical 2012 season. Lewis coaching career began as the offensive coordinator for his alma mater, Richards High School in Illinois. Fleck for the past six seasons and is in his 15th year as a college coach. A 2006 graduate of Indiana University, Burns played three seasons at running back for the Hoosiers. Current Wisconsin Badger head coach Paul Chryst served as his offensive coordinator and position coach. During his career as a student-athlete, he served as a liaison between the student government and the athletic department. Find out more. A heart-to-heart talk with the Browns to help understand the fans, Still excited about Guardians? Sean Lewis stepped down as head football coach at Kent State University, ending a five-year run with the Flashes. Burns' experience winning at places such as North Dakota State, Wyoming and Southern Illinois gave Richmond faith that Burns could build and execute a vision for Kent State.

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