College football coach Kenni Burns is finally out from Kent State, and let’s be honest, it was long overdue. The Golden Flashes have been stuck in neutral for two straight seasons, dragging along to a painful 1-23 record under Burns. Fans knew it. Players probably felt it. The energy was gone. Nothing clicked.
So when news broke Friday morning that the university officially fired him, no one blinked. What’s raising eyebrows, though, is how it all went down and what still hasn’t been said.
Questions Linger Behind The Curtain
Burns didn’t just lose games. He lost the trust of a fanbase that desperately wanted anything to root for. There was no pulse, no progress, and no hope. Recruiting remained flatlined. The team never found its footing under his leadership, and a .500 record felt completely out of reach.
But it wasn’t just the product on the field that unraveled. In the middle of last season, a local bank sued Burns for more than $20,000 in unpaid credit card debt. Although the court eventually dismissed the case, the timing hurt the situation significantly. Four months later, Kent State placed him on administrative leave without explanation. The university has stayed tight-lipped since then.
My family and I are saddened by the news today. We are thankful for the relationships and connections we have made with the players, coaches, and staff over the past few years. The team bond we have is not transactional but that of a family. Kent G.R.I.T. will bind us forever,… pic.twitter.com/EPH7SwPHy1
— Kenni Burns (@CoachKenniBurns) April 11, 2025
Behind closed doors, whispers grew louder. Rumors began to circulate about possible gambling ties and financial missteps. Some believe Burns borrowed money from other coaches. Some observers speculate he racked up debt due to gambling losses. One theory even suggests he might have thrown games, though no evidence supports that claim at this time. The university has not confirmed any of it, and Burns has not spoken publicly.
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Now, Kent State turns to offensive coordinator Mark Carney as interim head coach for 2025. Meanwhile, legendary alumnus Josh Cribbs has already thrown his hat into the ring, making his desire to lead the program no secret. Still, the university plans to conduct a national search after the season ends.
For now, the mystery hangs in the air. Burns is gone, but the questions remain. Why did Kent State fire him now? What really happened off the field? Until the whole story comes out, all anyone can do is speculate.
