Kent State Makes First Formal Hire of College Football Coaching Cycle

Kent State has officially named Mark Carney as the permanent head coach of its football team, removing his interim status. This announcement, made in a Thursday morning press release, marks the first official FBS coaching hire of the anticipated busy 2025-26 offseason. Carney, a former Fordham quarterback and Cleveland-area native, expressed his gratitude and excitement for the opportunity to lead the program in Northeast Ohio.

Carney took over as interim coach following the dismissal of former head coach Kenni Burns in April. Under his leadership, Kent State has achieved a 3-5 record, positioning them for their best season since 2022. The decision to appoint Carney permanently was met with enthusiasm from the team, with players reportedly cheering during a meeting. Carney's first game as the full-time head coach will be against Ball State on Wednesday.