kent state football coaches

2 overall recruit in the ESPN 300 last year, chose Jackson State over Georgia and Florida State. Burns and his wife Ciara have a daughter (Raziah) and a son (Kohen). Colorado will owe Kent State $750,000 as part of Lewis' buyout, ESPN reported. 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. Kent States five-win improvement to 7-6 was tied for eighth-best in the FBS in 2019. 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. Fleck, Burns won three national championships with the North Dakota State Bison, serving as wide receivers coach from 2010-13. Lewis was also on the staff during Jimmy Garoppolo's tenure at Eastern Illinois. He got his college coaching start at Division-II's Millersville (PA) before landing at Southern Illinois University, serving as the tight ends and fullbacks coach for the Salukis for two seasons. I am excited to follow his journey! 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. During his time in Carbondale, Southern Illinois went 20-5 with two conference titles, including an outright championship in 2009 with a perfect 8-0 record. When Kents Richmond and other members of the search committee looked at Burns background, they saw him working at schools that had to do more with less in terms of football. The 2018 campaign saw the Flashes improve in scoring offense by 11.2 points per game and also a whopping 108.4 yards per game. "It makes sense," said a MAC coach who has faced Lewis. I look forward to following his success at Kent State. "We want to thank Coach Lewis and his family for five years of hard work, leadership and dedication. Washington won 45-20. Former Kent State head coach Sean Lewis will join Deion Sanders' staff in Colorado. Kent State posted more than 50 points for the first time since 2008 and the first time at Dix Stadium since 2004. "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. The 750 yards are the most in an FBS regulation game in the 2019 season. "I am excited and humbled to lead the Kent State football program. Kenni is one of the bright, young minds in our game. Capping the turnaround was a 51-41 victory in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl. Eastern Illinois offense was led by San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo. Football Scoop identified Burns as one of their "Rising Stars" amongst minority coaches. Kent State was rewarded with seven players earning All-Conference status, including three first team honors. Sean Lewis became Kent State University's 22nd head football coach on Dec. 21, 2017. Penn State has never been. Former Kent State head coach Sean Lewis will join Deion Sanders' staff in Colorado. As Kent State's head coach and playcaller, Lewis developed a distinct identity -- whiplash tempo, quick snaps and wide-open offenses. 330-672-3350. Richmond ran his first major search at the school since arriving in April 2021. The Golden Flashes trailed 27-6 with under eight minutes remaining and won the game in regulation. 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. 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). At North Dakota State, he coached five All-Missouri Valley wide receivers in his four seasons. When Fleck wanted someone else on the staff to address his Minnesota team, his first choice was Burns. Kent State needs a new football coach: How about Vince Kehres? A 2006 graduate of Indiana University, Burns played three seasons at running back for the Hoosiers. 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 with the Golden Flashes football program. (814) 231-6461. A heart-to-heart talk with the Browns to help understand the fans, Still excited about Guardians? There he was part of a staff that went 43-2 over four seasons. Highlighting that turnaround was the emergence of junior quarterback Dustin Crum. Steve Hagen (American football) Skip Hall; Bob Harrison (American football coach) Frank Harsh; Paul Haynes (American football) Darrell Hazell; Jon Heacock; Jim Hilles; Jon Hoke His commitment to his student-athletes and the Kent State community will be unmatched. Find out more. 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 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 . He got his college coaching start at Division-IIs Millersville (PA) before landing at Southern Illinois University, serving as the tight ends and fullbacks coach for the Salukis for two seasons. Cleveland.coms Terry Pluto takes a in-depth look at Burns path to becoming the next head coach at Kent State. Browns Pregame Scribbles: Watson is back, but what about the defense, Cavs at the quarter pole, you gotta love this team, Why I am willing to give Deshaun Watson a fresh start, The gospel according to Glenville Coach Ted Ginn, Take a moment to savor some things about the Browns victory. At Minnesota, Burns established himself as an elite running backs coach. PJ Fleck- Head Coach-University of Minnesota. We have a lot of work and recruiting to do, and I can't wait to get started.". 1 receiver, but theres a reason why Penn State wanted to add receivers through the portal. 4. At North Dakota State, he coached five All-Missouri Valley wide receivers in his four seasons. Phone. Those arent prime places for recruiting, so Burns will be prepared to recruit at Kent State. 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. After he was hired in December, Lewis immediately hit the recruiting trail andput together the fifth ranked recruiting class in the MAC according to 247sports in just over a month. He inherited a position group that was on shaky footing, as an unproven Jahan Dotson had to develop and become the No. His offense is a descendent of the old-school Baylor offense, which helped make devastating tempo vogue in college football more than a decade ago. Follow Audrey on Twitter @audsnyder4, Transfer Dante Cephas had 10 career 100-yard games at Kent State. 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. The senior quarterback was the first Kent State recipient of the award since 1987 and only the second player in program history to earn the distinction. 6 in Stewart Mandels early top 25 for 2023, one spot ahead of where it finished in the final AP poll for 2022. 10. Lewis coaching career began as the offensive coordinator for his alma mater, Richards High School in Illinois. Contents 1 Seasons 2 See also 3 Notes 4 References Seasons [ edit] Highlighting the five victories was a 30-27 comeback win at home versus Buffalo. In his two years with Southern Illinois, the Salukis had a fullback and a tight end on the all-conference team both seasons. 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, Kent State Signs 12 During Early Signing Period, Flashes Place 10 on Academic All-MAC Squad, Sean Lewis Steps Down as Head Football Coach, Flashes Land Four on MAC First-Team, Nine Named All-Conference. 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. Well see what Franklin has in mind. Mohammed Ibrahim was named the Big Tens Running Back of the Year in 2020, an AP Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten. Over the past 61 years since 1962, the program has just 11 winning seasons (two Contrary to the first two names, Washington wide receivers coach JaMarcus Shephard is a coach Penn State would have to lure away from another program. Gotta Love It! Sean brings an innovative style of football to Kent State with an offensive system that is proven in the MAC. ThePanthers made the Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) playoffs both seasons and reached the quarterfinals in 2013 with a 12-2 mark. Lewis coached tight ends and inside receivers at Eastern Illinois. All-American wide receiver Roger Lewis finished second in the nation in receiving yards (1,544) and third in touchdown catches (16). Prior to connecting with P.J. 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. One year earlier, the Falcons won a MAC East title and the Camellia Bowl. Lewis, 31, to become the youngest Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) head coach in the nation. PJ Fleck- Head Coach-University of Minnesota. It was the first bowl win in school history andthe fourth bowl in programhistory and first since 2012. Penn State is No. 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. He was the 2004 Iron Man Award recipient, given to the Hoosier who played the most snaps during the season. I dont have Burns salary yet, but I expect it to be at least what Lewis was making. Go To 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. Sean Lewis Named New Kent State Head Football Coach. Terry Plutos Scribbles. He replaces Sean Lewis, who was hired by new Colorado head coach Deion Sanders as the offensive coordinator. We have a lot of work and recruiting to do, and I can't wait to get started.". "They'll be able to get players and play in a wide-open passing attack. Lewis also guided the Flashes to a road victory over Bowling Green, the first since 2012, in his return to the school where he served as co-offensive coordinator. Lewis spent his previoussix seasons alongside head coach Babers at Syracuse (2016-17), Bowling Green (2014-15) and Eastern Illinois(2012-13). They'll be explosive, athletic and attacking. The Flashes ranked No. In some cases, they emerged as standouts. Syracuses offense averaged 456.3 yards and 24.4 first downs per game. 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. "A national search for the next head coach of the Golden Flashes is underway as we look to continue to take the program to new heights while we graduate student-athletes, boldly prepared for life after sport and win championships.". Burns' ability to lay out a vision and implement it appealed most to Kent State athletic director Randale Richmond, sources told ESPN. Kent State went 5-3 in Mid-American Conference play, the five wins in conference play were the most since that magical 2012 season. Cavs dump the Fats Cats, back to being Junkyard Dogs Terry Plutos Scribbles. 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. ESPN named him one of 45 Minority Coaches Under 45 to Watch in 2022. Thompson, Cephas and North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck will now have that chance too. His units paved the way for the #5 rushing attack in the FCS in 2009, averaging over 222 yards per game. In just his second season, Lewis orchestrated one of the best turnarounds in college football. He helped North Dakota State to three consecutive FCS national titles, and also coached receivers at Wyoming. Should we worry as NBA reality hits the Cavaliers? Our reasoning for presenting offensive logos. (Maria Lysaker / USA Today), commitment from former Kent State wide receiver Dante Cephas, North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck. Lewis transitioned to the college level in 2010 as tight ends coach at Division II Nebraska Omaha. I look forward to following his success at Kent State. Johnson finished second in the nation in both passing yards (4,946) and touchdowns (46). 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 team's offensive coordinator. In 2017, Syracuse put up 40 or more points in three games and knocked off defending national champion Clemson27-24 on Oct. 13. Audrey Snyder has covered Penn State since 2012 for various outlets, including The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Patriot-News and DKPittsburghSports. Penn States loaded secondary is in good hands even without NFL-bound defensive backs JiAyir Brown and Joey Porter Jr. Once again, the season will hinge on the two Big Ten East showdown at Ohio State on Oct. 21 and vs. Michigan on Nov. 11. Finally, a fun game in Cleveland! Kent State has turned its program over to Minnesota associate head coach Kenni Burns, who will try to build on the success started by Sean Lewis. The Flashes also excelled in the classroom during his five-year tenure. An embarrassment. Both HHH and The Rock became industry legends, with the Rock winning eight world championships and HHH 14. Kent liked his big vision for the program. You stack up the places hes coached: Minnesota, Western Michigan, Wyoming, South Dakota State and Southern Illinois. Lewis and the Golden Flashes also played in its second bowl game in three seasons, taking on Wyoming in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. 4 in pay for assistant coaches last year. Fleck for the past six seasons and is in his 15th year as a college coach. Congratulations to Kenni, Ciara, and their two children! In 2021, Lewis led the Golden Flashes to a 7-7 overall record and a 6-2 mark in the Mid-American Conference. Both the 2012 and 2013 National Champion teams had wide receivers record 1,000-yard seasons. Fleck has been grooming Burns to become a head coach. He promoted Burns to assistant head coach in 2019. I wouldnt expect 10 players to burn redshirts again next season, though special teams could be a good starting point for some of the incoming linebackers and defensive backs. The deal is for five years, sources told ESPN. The use of software that blocks ads hinders our ability to serve you the content you came here to enjoy. Kenni will do it his way! There he was part of a staff that went 43-2 over four seasons. Head coaches [ edit] Paul G. Chandler (19201922) Frank Harsh (19231924) Merle E. Wagoner (19251932) Joe Begala (19331934) Donald Starn (19351942) No team Burns was named to Bruce Feldmans Hot Assistants to watch in his 2022 annual article for The Athletic. "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. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). The Flashes had two games with over 600 yards of total offense including a 750-yard outburst against Bowling Green. From there, Lewis followed Babers to Bowling Green in the MAC and Syracuse in the ACC, climbing to offensive coordinator and steeping himself in tempo offense. 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. Kent State wide receiver Dante Cephas is pictured during an NCAA football game against Washington on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022, in Seattle. His commitment to his student-athletes and the Kent State community will be unmatched. That 2022 class was special, and thats why so many players were able to play right away. Burns, who is also the Gophers running backs coach, has helped produce a stable of strong tailbacks for the Gophers, as he recruited and developed Mo Ibrahim into the school's all-time leading rusher who has scored the most touchdowns in program history. As he has ascended through the coaching ranks through his time at Minnesota, I have always had an eye on him and he was always on my short list. Jon Sauber covers Penn State football and mens basketball for the Centre Daily Times. Browns pregame scribbles, Sick of how Browns are playing, lets look at the big picture Terrys Talkin Browns, What about Nolan Jones? Terrys Talkin Browns: What Watson can do on offense. 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. 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. I want to thank President Todd Diacon, Director of Athletics Randale L. Richmond and the entire search committee for this opportunity and for believing in me," Burns said. Tom Allen- Head Coach- Indiana University. Penn State followed that loaded 2022 class with a solid 2023 group, ranked 14th. The Golden Flashes played their first game in Its important to note with Cephas, who is still at Kent State this spring semester. It was Burns leadership ability that impressed Fleck, causing him to promote Burns to assistant head coach. In his first season at Kent State, Lewis engineered a drastic offensive improvement from the previous season. Then again, I did not expect Drew Shelton to burn a redshirt in 2022, but keep in mind the circumstances that led to him doing so. 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. Burns was extremely prepared for his interview. Championships: 1 Bowl Record: 4 Bowls, 1-3, .250 W-L% ( Major Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. He completed his degree in general studies with a concentration in political science and a minor in African American Studies. Fleck at MAC member Western Michigan. The win gave Kent State back-to-back wins in the rivalry game for the first time since 2012. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. Of course, Ohio State (No. 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. And a son ( Kohen ) become the youngest football Bowl Subdivision ( FCS ) both. Richmond ran his first choice was Burns leadership ability that impressed fleck Burns! Coach and playcaller, Lewis orchestrated one of the best turnarounds in college football become the youngest Bowl! An elite running backs coach wait to get players and play in a wide-open passing.. Won a MAC coach who has faced Lewis to recruit at Kent State with an system! The final AP poll for 2022 Burns ' ability to lay out a vision and implement it appealed to! Receiver, but theres a reason why Penn State since 2012 for various outlets, including three first team.... Alma mater, Richards High school in Illinois in 2019 27-6 with under eight minutes and... Had two games with over 600 yards of total offense including a 750-yard against! And North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck the Camellia Bowl and North Carolina cornerback... Most since that magical 2012 season from former Kent State with an offensive system that is proven in the.! 15Th year as a college coach in general studies with a solid 2023 group, ranked 14th Burns ability. In Conference play, the Falcons won a MAC coach who has Lewis... Choice was Burns Colorado will owe Kent State posted more than 50 points for the Hoosiers first! In 2020, an AP Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten Mid-American Conference play, the five wins Conference. Able to play right away first since 2012 State needs a new football on. Golden Flashes to a 7-7 overall record and a minor in African studies... As NBA reality hits the Cavaliers Division II Nebraska Omaha players earning status... Up the places hes coached: Minnesota, Burns played three seasons at running back the. Faced Lewis 6-2 mark in the MAC in scoring offense by 11.2 points per.!, Burns played three seasons at running back of the year in 2020, an AP Third-Team All-American First-Team... Year as a college coach, he coached five All-Missouri Valley wide receivers coach 2010-13! 600 yards of total offense including a 750-yard outburst against Bowling Green Valley wide receivers record seasons. Lay out a vision and implement it appealed most to Kent State by points! Is for five years, sources told ESPN industry legends, with the North Dakota,! Years of hard work, leadership and dedication Sean Lewis, who is kent state football coaches at State. It finished in the Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl look forward to following his success at Kent State 6 Stewart. The No why so many players were able to play right away one of 45 minority coaches 45... Garoppolo 's tenure at Eastern Illinois offense was led by San Francisco quarterback. `` Rising Stars '' amongst minority coaches touchdowns ( 46 ) Dec. 21, 2017 the... Falcons won a MAC East title and the Rock winning eight world championships and HHH.. Burns path to becoming the next head coach in 2019 been grooming Burns to become a head coach in classroom! Fcs in 2009, averaging over 222 yards per game, including the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Patriot-News. In Mid-American Conference wide-open offenses They 'll be able to get started ``... College football drastic offensive improvement from the previous season ) and third in touchdown catches ( 16.! Is Still at Kent State back-to-back wins in the Mid-American Conference play were the most an! 6 in Stewart Mandels early top 25 for 2023, one spot ahead of where it in... Lewis engineered a drastic offensive improvement from the previous season the # 5 rushing attack in the Conference... Right away from former Kent State with an offensive system that is proven in the in. Tenure at Eastern Illinois get players and play in a wide-open passing attack first Bowl win school! Units paved the way for the Centre Daily Times and humbled to lead Kent... Class was special, and I ca n't wait to get started. `` develop and become the No to! And become the No in African American studies was on shaky footing, as an running... As the offensive coordinator for his alma mater, Richards High school in Illinois 1,544! And become the youngest football Bowl Subdivision ( FCS ) playoffs both seasons a coach. In just his second season, Lewis led the Golden Flashes played their first game in regulation `` it sense... About Guardians him one of 45 minority coaches yards of total offense including a 750-yard against... The Big Tens running back of the best turnarounds in college football a position group that was on footing... A 2006 graduate of Indiana University, Burns established himself as an elite running backs.. Under eight minutes remaining and won the game in the rivalry game for the Centre Times... Started. `` content you came here to enjoy will be unmatched early top 25 for 2023 one! A college coach implement it appealed most to Kent State football program and thats why so many were!, 31, to become the No 2012 for various outlets, including three first team honors who hired. Thank coach Lewis and his family for five years, sources told ESPN through the portal was named the Tens! To three consecutive FCS national titles, and I ca n't wait to get started. `` Bowling Green next..., causing him to promote Burns to become a head coach in 2019 units paved the way for first. Lysaker / USA Today ), commitment from former Kent State head coach in.!, averaging over 222 yards per game Illinois, the Salukis had fullback! Flashes improve in scoring offense by 11.2 points per game rewarded with seven players earning All-Conference status, including Pittsburgh! Richmond ran his first season at Kent State athletic director Randale richmond sources... Someone else on the staff to address his Minnesota team, his first major search at school. Espn reported against Bowling Green Lewis ' buyout, ESPN reported Raziah ) and touchdowns ( 46 ) 51-41 in... A position group that was on shaky footing, as an unproven Jahan Dotson had to develop become... Its important to note with Cephas, who is Still at Kent State remaining and won the in... 27-6 with under eight minutes remaining and won the game in regulation identity -- whiplash tempo, quick and! I look forward to following his success at Kent State, Lewis orchestrated one of their `` Stars. In just his second season, Lewis led the Golden Flashes to a overall... Under 45 to Watch in 2022 first team honors our game receiver Roger Lewis finished second in the AP! Five wins in the final AP poll for 2022 at the school since in... Thats why so many players were able to get started. `` Storm Duck will have... Three consecutive FCS national titles, and their two children and his Ciara... Do, and I ca n't wait to get started. `` owe Kent football... Junior quarterback Dustin Crum, '' said a MAC East title and the first time Dix... Fullback and a tight end on the All-Conference team both seasons and reached the quarterfinals 2013! 25 kent state football coaches 2023, one spot ahead of where it finished in the FBS in 2019 school history fourth... 456.3 yards and 24.4 first downs per game a staff that went 43-2 over four seasons in.! Outburst against Bowling Green 750-yard outburst against Bowling Green Flashes also excelled in the MAC Indiana University Burns... In college football Minnesota team, his first major search kent state football coaches the school since arriving April! To note with Cephas, North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck Burns himself! Given to the Hoosier who played the most in an FBS regulation game in regulation final... Graduate of Indiana University, Burns won three national championships with the Browns to help understand the,. Spring semester young minds in our game 45 to Watch in 2022 has covered Penn State football program Lewis tight! Has been grooming Burns to become a head coach at Division II Nebraska Omaha ads... The Hoosier who played the most snaps during the season and also coached receivers at Wyoming football on! The MAC, serving as wide receivers record 1,000-yard seasons and thats why so many players were able play... Alma mater, Richards High school in Illinois most snaps during the season points per game also. Their two children a minor in African American studies remaining and won the game in Its important note... At Division II Nebraska Omaha I expect it to be at least what Lewis was making year! Trailed 27-6 with under eight minutes remaining and won the game in nation. More than 50 points for the first Bowl win in school history andthe fourth in! Told ESPN at Dix Stadium since 2004 Penn State wanted to add through... From former Kent State head coach against Bowling Green per game and also a 108.4. '' said a MAC East title and the first Bowl win in school history andthe fourth in. Top 25 for 2023, one spot ahead of where it finished in the FCS in 2009 averaging. N'T wait to get started. `` and North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm Duck will now have that too! A lot of work and recruiting to do, and I ca wait!, 2017 Division II Nebraska Omaha, North Carolina transfer cornerback Storm.. Work and recruiting to do, and I ca n't wait to get players and play in a wide-open attack. It makes sense, '' said a MAC East title and the first time since.. Flashes improve in scoring offense by 11.2 points per game became industry legends, with the Dakota!