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4h ago

Kent State Names Mark Carney Head Coach After Interim Turnaround

Athletic leaders cite cultural progress, elevating the interim leader after measurable on-field improvement.

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Oct 4, 2025; Norman, Oklahoma, USA; Kent State Golden Flashes head coach Mark Carney (left) greets Oklahoma Sooners head coach Brent Venables (right) before the game at Gaylord Family-Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
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Overview

  • Kent State officially removed the interim tag Thursday, making Carney the 24th head coach in program history.
  • Carney’s team is 3-5 overall and 2-2 in MAC play this season after two years that produced a combined 1-23 record under his predecessor.
  • The Golden Flashes ended a nation-leading winless skid with a 21-17 opener versus Merrimack and logged notable victories over UMass and Bowling Green.
  • Carney stepped in as interim in April following Kenni Burns’ dismissal and quickly drew praise from athletic director Randale L. Richmond for instilling belief and a winning culture.
  • He previously served as Kent State’s tight ends coach in 2023 and offensive coordinator in 2024, with an earlier stint as Charlotte’s offensive coordinator.