Football
- Title:
- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks
- Email:
- brock5@kent.edu
- Phone:
- 330-672-3350
Brian Rock joined the Kent State staff in January of 2011, bringing nearly three decades of collegiate coaching experience to his role as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Rock retained those roles after Paul Haynes took over as head coach in December of 2012.
In 2012, the Golden Flashes finished 18th in the nation and second in the MAC in rushing yards per game (225.8). Kent State's scoring offense ranked third in the conference at over 33 points per game. In 14 conests, the Flashes' offense averaged just over one turnover per game, helping the team finish fourth in the nation in turnover margin. Four Golden Flashes on the offensive side earned All-MAC honors including two first team selections (Dri Archer, Brian Winters).
Two offensive linemen from that 2012 squad were playing in the NFL in 2013. Brian Winters was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round, while Josh Kline signed as a preferred free agent with the New England Patriots.
In the final five games of the 2011 season, Kent State’s offense hit its stride, averaging 26 points per game. The Golden Flashes won four of its final five games, averaging 356 yards of offense per contest. The passing game did not throw a single interception during that stretch. At season’s end, offensive tackle Brian Winters earned All-Mid-American Conference Second Team honors.
Rock came to Kent State after spending the previous three seasons as the wide receivers coach at Purdue.
In 2009, Purdue’s Keith Smith led the Big Ten with 91 catches (third-most in school history) and 1,110 receiving yards (fifth-most) en route to earning first team all-conference honors. Dorien Bryant topped the Big Ten in receptions in 2006 and ‘07 (87 both seasons) while setting the Purdue career record with 6,219 all-purpose yards, the fourth most in Big Ten history. He was named first team all-conference in 2006.
Rock came to the Boilermakers from Western Michigan, where he was an assistant from 1992 to 2005. Rock coached wide receivers from 1997 to 2004 as well as tight ends (1992-96 and 2000-04), offensive tackles (1992-96) and running backs (2005). He served as offensive coordinator from 2000-04 and special teams coordinator from 1997-99 and also in 2005. The Broncos captured Mid-American Conference West Division championships in 1999 and 2000.
Western Michigan ranked eighth nationally in passing offense in 2003 - averaging 308.4 yards per game - and 16th in 2004 - averaging 264.8 yards per game. Western Michigan produced two 1,000-yard receivers for the first time in school history in 2003 in Greg Jennings (1,050) and Kendrick Mosley (1,019). Jennings became the Broncos' career leader in receptions, receiving touchdowns and all-purpose yards and went on to play with the Green Bay Packers. Rock also developed and coached tight end Tony Scheffler of the Detroit Lions.
Prior to his tenure at Western Michigan, Rock was defensive coordinator at Saint Joseph's College in Rensselaer, Ind., from 1987-91. He also coached the defensive backs and special teams. Rock was a graduate assistant at Bowling Green from 1985-86.
Widely regarded for his enthusiasm and innovation, Rock has authored several articles on football strategy. His piece “Efficiency in the Scoring Zone” appeared in American Football Monthly in 2005.
A native of Bowling Green, Ohio, Rock (born Aug. 6, 1962) earned a bachelor's degree in business education in 1985 and a master's of education in sports management in 1986, both from Bowling Green. As an undergraduate, he was an assistant coach at Bowling Green High School. Rock and his wife, Lori, have a daughter, Kirsten, and two sons, Nathan and T.K.
Seasons | School | Position |
2011-present | Kent State | Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks |
2005-10 | Purdue | Assistant Coach |
2004-05 | Western Michigan | Special Teams Coord. |
1999-04 | Western Michigan | Offensive Coordinator |
1996-99 | Western Michigan | Special Teams Coord. |
1992-96 | Western Michigan | Assistant Coach |
1987-92 | Saint Joseph’s College | Defensive Coordinator |
1985-87 | Bowling Green | Part-Time Assistant Coach |
