Kent State University announced the termination of head football coach Kenni Burns, effective immediately. The decision comes two weeks after Burns was placed on administrative leave amid an ongoing investigation into undisclosed issues.
Interim head coach Mark Carney will lead the team for the 2025 season. Athletic director Randale Richmond stated that the university’s focus is to support student-athletes and provide them with a positive competitive experience.
Burns’ tenure at Kent State was marked by a 1-23 record, including a 0-12 mark this past fall. He previously worked as an assistant coach at Minnesota. A statement from Burns expressed his sadness over the decision but gratitude for relationships made with players and staff.
The reasons behind Burns’ termination are unclear, except that a university investigation is ongoing, as revealed in a March letter. The letter prohibited Burns from returning to facilities or interacting with student-athletes and employees during the investigation.
Burns faced financial troubles at previous coaching stops, including an unpaid credit card debt lawsuit that was dismissed earlier this year. It’s unknown if these issues contributed to Kent State’s decision.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6272683/2025/04/11/kent-state-fires-kenni-burns-investigation