Kent State Names Mark Carney Head Coach

**Carney Sheds Interim Tag, Named Kent State Head Football Coach on Five-Year Deal**

**KENT, Ohio** – Mark Carney, a long-tenured and deeply familiar figure within the Kent State University athletic department, has officially been named the 23rd head football coach of the Golden Flashes. The university announced today that Carney, who had been serving as interim head coach since late November, has signed a five-year contract, signaling a commitment to stability and internal leadership for the program.

Carney stepped into the interim role on November 28, 2023, following the departure of former head coach Sean Lewis, who left to become the offensive coordinator at the University of Colorado under Deion Sanders. His promotion comes at a critical juncture for the program, just ahead of the crucial early signing period for high school recruits on December 20th.

“Mark Carney embodies the values and vision we have for Kent State Football,” said Bryan Pinsky, Kent State’s Vice President and Director of Athletics, in a statement. “His deep roots within our program, strong relationships with our student-athletes and staff, and unwavering commitment to this university make him the ideal leader. Mark has demonstrated an exceptional understanding of what it takes to succeed in the Mid-American Conference and a clear plan to build a championship-caliber team. We are confident in his ability to inspire our student-athletes and elevate our program.”

Carney’s journey with the Golden Flashes began in 2018 when he joined as the running backs coach. His rapid ascent through the coaching ranks saw him promoted to offensive coordinator in 2020, where he quickly made his mark on the team’s offensive identity. In 2022, he added the title of associate head coach, further solidifying his influence and leadership within the staff. This long tenure has given him an intimate understanding of the program’s operations, culture, and the Kent community.

While the 2023 season concluded with a challenging 1-11 record, a period during which Carney served the final weeks as interim, his track record as offensive coordinator points to significant past successes. Notably, during the 2021 season, Carney’s offensive unit was instrumental in guiding Kent State to a 7-7 overall record, including an appearance in the Famous Idaho Potato Bowl against Wyoming. Under his direction, the Golden Flashes’ offense consistently ranked among the top units in the MAC, showcasing explosive playmaking and a dynamic scheme that challenged opponents.

“I am incredibly honored and excited to be named the head coach of Kent State Football,” Carney stated. “This program, these players, and this community mean the world to me. We have a tremendous foundation here, built on hard work, resilience, and a commitment to excellence both on and off the field. I’m eager to continue building on that foundation with our dedicated staff and talented student-athletes. Kent State is a special place, and I am ready to lead us to new heights in the MAC and beyond.”

The timing of the announcement is particularly strategic. With the early signing period rapidly approaching, securing a permanent head coach provides immediate stability for current commits and allows Carney to fully engage in recruiting efforts, demonstrating a clear vision for the program’s future to prospective student-athletes. His existing relationships within the team are expected to foster continuity and mitigate potential transfers in the current landscape of college football.

Carney inherits a program with a recent history of competitive play in the MAC, often serving as a launching pad for coaching talent. His deep familiarity with the university’s academic standards, athletic resources, and recruiting footprint in Ohio and surrounding states is seen as a significant advantage. His first priority will likely be to finalize his coaching staff and hit the recruiting trail with a renewed sense of purpose.

Further details regarding Carney’s introductory press conference and his vision for the program are expected to be announced in the coming days.

For more information on Kent State Athletics, visit KentStateSports.com.
Follow Kent State Football on social media for updates.