Jon Mills Officially Takes Over Kent State’s Men’s Golf Program
8/26/2019 9:27:00 AM | Men's Golf
Golden Flashes have won MAC Championships in all eight seasons that Mills has been affiliated with the program.
KENT, Ohio – A new chapter of Kent State men's golf begins, as Jon Mills officially moved into the head coaching position on Monday, July 1. He is the 10th head coach in the program's 86-season history.
"We are excited for Jon to take over as head coach of the men's golf program," said Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen. "With his experiences as a player and assisting Herb throughout the last few seasons, we are confident in Jon's ability to teach and coach our student athletes and continue the rich success of this elite program."
Mills takes over the program where he starred under Hall of Fame head coach Herb Page, who recently retired following a legendary 41-year tenure guiding the Golden Flashes. Mills returned to his alma mater to serve as the associate head coach in January 2016 and has been part of Mid-American Conference championship teams in all eight of his years affiliated with the program.
"Being able to become the next head coach here at Kent State is surreal," Mills said. "I had amazing experiences while playing golf here at Kent State and now having the opportunity to coach here is incredible. Coach Page has taught me a lot over the years and I look forward to using that knowledge to continue this already elite program. We will continue to set high goals for this program and work extremely hard to fulfill them."
Mills remains the only First Team All-America selection in the history of Kent State's program. As a senior, the Corbyville, Ontario native finished sixth individually at the 2001 NCAA Championships. Mills played professionally for 14 years, including three on the PGA Tour. In 2003, he was the leading money-winner on the Canadian Tour. Mills was inducted into the Kent State Varsity "K" Hall of Fame in 2007.
"I couldn't be happier to turn the reins over to Jon," Page said. "His ability to play, teach and coach the game is as good as anybody. We couldn't ask for a better person. His most important attribute is how he communicates with our student-athletes and motivates them. Jon will continue to develop great golfers and great people."
"With the tremendous program that Herb built over the 41 years in Kent, there is probably no one better positioned than Jon to lead this program into the future," said former Kent State teammate Randy Dietz '00. "He had a drive in him to be the best, as evidenced by him becoming the program's first 1st Team All-American. Professionally, it was incredible to be part of his rise on the PGA Tour caddying seven years for him and experiencing that successful run. His experience and traits that drove him to succeed will be instilled in the current and future Golden Flashes. I couldn't be more proud of him and the opportunity that lies ahead for Kent State Golf."
Mills has had an incredible impact on the current members of the golf team and former student-athletes when he served as the assistant coach. From recruiting to coaching, Mills has left an imprint on his players through the last few seasons.
"I can't wait to see what Mills will do as the new head coach," said former Kent State player Chase Johnson '18. "He came into the Kent State family my sophomore year and has brought incredible vibes to the team. Mills has the tour experience, knows how to make players better, and has the knowledge when it comes to the mental approach of the game on and off the course. I've had many conversations with him that helped me grow as a player during my time at Kent State, and I know he will do the same as a head coach with Kent State's future players."
Kent State has fielded one of the top men's golf programs in the country this decade, advancing to the NCAA Championships six times in the past 10 seasons with a top-five finish in 2012.
Players Mentioned
