On Thursday, Kent State University Athletic Director Randale Richmond announced that interim head football coach Mark Carney would have his interim tag removed and assume the role of head coach.
The decision comes off the Flashes’ 24-21 win over the Bowling Green Falcons, marking KSU’s third win of the season.
“What an incredible blessing to be named the next head football coach at Kent State University,” Carney said. “I am humbled and honored to serve this university and our football program.”
Since taking over as interim head coach of the Flashes following the firing of Kenni Burns, Carney has established a serious culture change, noticeable by the uproar of players in the locker room when it was announced by Richmond that Carney would be here to stay. Carney inked a four-year deal that will turn into a five-year contract should KSU make a bowl game during his time as head coach.
University President Todd Diacon spoke highly of Carney, praising his leadership and culture-building skills.
“Congratulations to Coach Carney,” Diacon said. “I just wanted to say that we have core values at Kent State University: kindness, respect and purpose in all we do, and I see that in the culture that’s being built here. It was really my pleasure and Randale’s pleasure to remove the interim tag.”
Carney joined the Flashes in Jan. 2023 as the team’s tight ends coach before being promoted to offensive coordinator before the 2024 season. Before his arrival in Portage County, Carney spent four years with the Charlotte 49ers, elevating the team’s offensive scheme as offensive coordinator and helping Charlotte reach the Bahamas Bowl.
The Flashes have a decent chance of making a bowl game this season, as KSU needs just three more wins to make its first bowl game since the 2021 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl. Following a bye week this weekend, the Flashes will square off against Ball State, Akron, Central Michigan and Northern Illinois — three of which have losing records.
“I am so damn proud of our team,” Carney said.
Gage Wellman is a reporter. Contact him at [email protected] or @GageWellmanKSTV on X.
