Kent State Football Coach Kenni Burns Placed on Administrative Leave Amid Investigation

Kent, Ohio — Kent State University has placed head football coach Kenni Burns on administrative leave following a lengthy investigation, sources confirmed to ESPN’s Pete Thamel on March 27, 2025. This decision arrives just days before the start of spring practices, adding significant uncertainty to the team’s future.

Burns, who has a dismal record of 1-23 over two seasons at Kent State, faced scrutiny after the Golden Flashes finished with a 0-12 record in 2024. The program has ranked last in the nation in both scoring offense and scoring defense, marking the first time an FBS team has completed a season without a win since 2019.

The specifics of the investigation remain undisclosed, but allegations of bullying and inappropriate comments directed toward female staff members have surfaced. Kent State has not released an official statement elaborating on the reasons for Burns’ administrative leave.

Burns joined the Golden Flashes in December 2022 after serving as an assistant coach under P.J. Fleck at the University of Minnesota. Despite hopes to turn the program around, his first season yielded a 1-11 record, prompting university officials to extend his contract through 2028 back in February 2024.

Compounding his troubles, Burns has been involved in legal issues regarding approximately $24,000 in credit card debt. In a statement to CBS Sports, he acknowledged the financial matter, attributing it to costs incurred during a home remodel and relocation. He stated, “My wife and I are aware of a legal matter involving debt related to paying off a recent remodel and move. We are working swiftly to address this matter.”

As Kent State navigates this tumultuous period, they join Stanford as the only FBS programs undergoing head coaching changes during the spring ball season, bringing the total number of FBS coaching changes to 30 this cycle. With spring football already underway, the university now faces the challenge of finding an interim head coach ahead of the upcoming season.

Fans and athletes alike are left to wonder about the future of Kent State’s football program and the fate of Burns, as details surrounding the situation continue to unfold.