Kent State Names Mark Carney Permanent Head Coach

**Carney Sheds Interim Tag, Named Permanent Head Football Coach at Kent State**

**KENT, Ohio – November 27, 2023** – Mark Carney, who has guided the Kent State University football program on an interim basis since April, has officially been named the Golden Flashes’ head football coach, securing a five-year contract that will keep him at the helm through the 2028 season. The announcement was made Monday by Kent State Athletic Director Randale L. Richmond.

Carney’s promotion to the permanent role marks a significant step for a program that underwent an unexpected leadership change earlier this year. He initially took over as interim head coach on April 19th, following the departure of then-head coach Kenni Burns, who left Kent State to accept a position at the University of Wyoming.

Prior to stepping into the interim role, Carney served as the Golden Flashes’ defensive coordinator, a position he held with the team. His deep understanding of the program and its student-athletes, coupled with his leadership during a challenging transition, were key factors in the university’s decision.

“Mark has demonstrated exceptional leadership, unwavering resilience, and a clear, compelling vision for the future of our football program, even under the most challenging circumstances,” Richmond stated in the official announcement. “His commitment to our student-athletes’ development, both on and off the field, is profound. While the 2023 season presented numerous hurdles, Mark’s ability to maintain focus, build trust, and lay a foundation for sustained success truly stood out. We are confident he is the right person to lead the Golden Flashes to new heights.”

The Golden Flashes concluded the 2023 season with a 1-10 record under Carney, navigating a roster in transition and a highly competitive Mid-American Conference (MAC) schedule. Despite the difficult win-loss record, Richmond highlighted Carney’s impact on team culture and player development as critical elements in the evaluation process.

“I am incredibly honored and grateful for the opportunity to lead the Kent State football program on a permanent basis,” said Carney. “This university and this community mean a great deal to me, and I’m deeply committed to our student-athletes, our dedicated staff, and the entire Golden Flashes family. We understand the work ahead of us, and I’m excited to continue building a program rooted in discipline, effort, and a relentless pursuit of excellence, both on and off the field. We will strive to make Kent State University and its alumni proud.”

Carney’s tenure as defensive coordinator provided him with intimate knowledge of the program’s personnel and the MAC landscape. His ascent to head coach signals a commitment to stability and an internal belief in the trajectory he has established over the past several months. The university will now focus on supporting Carney as he builds his full-time staff and prepares the team for the 2024 season.