The Kent State football program is back to where it was two years ago — searching for a full-time head coach. It could be argued, though, the program is in a far more precarious position given its 1-23 record over the past two seasons under recently fired Kenni Burns.
Former coach Sean Lewis, the current coach of San Diego State, departed the Golden Flashes for the Colorado Buffaloes, with an overall losing record, but an arguably healthy program.
It’s difficult to assess where the Flashes are in that regard now. However, an old football axiom states: “You are what your record says you are.”
If that’s true the Flashes are at square one. After a winless season last year, there’s only one way to go. It won’t be easy. Given the institutional support shown recently for the Kent State basketball program versus what happened with Burns, it is fair to ask what the challenges will be.
For now, here is who Kent State should consider when it hires a full-time head coach:
Mark Carney, Kent State football interim head coach
Mark Carney will serve as interim head coach for Kent State during the 2025 season. He previously served as the team’s offensive coordinator after joining the staff as tight ends coach in the 2023 season.
Carney will have an inherent advantage over anyone seeking the job — for now. He gets to audition up close and in person for athletic director Randale Richmond and gets a chance to right a ship that has been slowly taking on water since the departure of Lewis.
Josh Cribbs, former Kent State quarterback/Browns return specialist
From a public relations and fan perspective, the return of prodigal son Cribbs would likely be welcome. Cribbs put his name into the running last month in an interview with 92.3 the Fan (92.3 FM).
“Of course, you know even in light of everything that’s going on, I don’t think it’s a secret,” he said of his interest. “You know that I shared my interest in becoming the next head football coach at Kent State University. You know, it’s my alma mater… I’m just excited for a possible opportunity.”
Cribbs is KSU’s all-time total offense leader with 10,839 yards. He holds the record for rushing touchdowns and touchdowns scored with 38 and 42, respectively. He holds the record for completions (616), pass attempts (1,123), passing yardage (7,169) and points scored (246).
Cribbs is the obvious “exciting” choice, who has deep, deep, deep — did I mention, deep? — connections across college and pro sports by virtue of a career that could potentially see him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton as a kick return specialist some day.
Geoff Dartt, Mount Union football coach
Geoff Dartt is only the fourth coach at Mount Union since 1962, which tells you how well regarded the gig there is and is an obvious sign the program is supported. He enters 2025 having gone 56-4 in his first five seasons as head coach and returned the Purple Raiders to the Amos Alonzo Stagg Bowl last season, losing to North Central. He may feel he has unfinished business after this past season.
Still, if the goal for any young coach is to move up in the ranks, Kent can be appealing for someone who does not want to uproot their family — he has a wife and two young children — and still build a resume that is attractive to more prestigious suitors down the line. Kent State fits that bill.
Vince Kehres, Toledo football defensive coordinator
Vince Kehres’ name came up during the last coaching search for the Akron Zips. The university landed Joe Moorhead, who looks as if he’s got the program turning the corner. Kehres has been with Toledo since the 2020 season and has built a significant resume at the Mid-American Conference school putting together impressive defenses since his arrival there. Then there’s his record at Mount Union, which included two national championships.
Since his departure for Toledo, he’s gained experience in the MAC, and that should only enhance his appeal. He knows the recruiting area and knows how to build a program. Simply put, sometimes the best “national searches” are local ones.
Video, Hoban football coach Tim Tyrrell talks abut loss to Avon
Watch video of Archbishop Hoban football coach Tim Tyrrell breaking down his team’s loss to Avon High School in the OHSAA playoffs state semifinals.
Tim Tyrrell, Archbishop Hoban football coach
A direct leap from the high school ranks to coaching Division I college football? Rare. Local fans knew one of the men who did it.
The late Gerry Faust went from Cincinnati Moeller High School to Notre Dame in 1981. He eventually landed at the University of Akron to coach the Zips in 1986.
Tim Tyrrell has had tremendous success at Archbishop Hoban, winning five state championships in seven championship game appearances. He knows the lay of the land as a native of Youngstown and he played for Jim Tressel at Youngstown State as a member of three national championship teams. He obviously learned a few things in his career.
George M. Thomas covers a myriad of things including sports and pop culture, but mostly sports, he thinks, for the Beacon Journal.
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