Bart Tanski Named Cornerbacks Coach for Kent State Football
8/1/2025 4:31:00 PM | Football
KENT, Ohio — Kent State head football coach Mark Carney announced the addition of Bart Tanski as the program's new cornerbacks coach, bringing over a decade of collegiate coaching experience and a proven track record in player development and special teams success.
"Please help me welcome Coach Bart Tanski and his family to Kent State University," said Carney. "A Northeast Ohio native and former Mr. Football in the state, I'm excited to have him back home! Coach Tanski has worked on all sides of the ball during his young career, and that experience will make our football team better. "
"I am very thankful to Coach Carney and Coach Cherokee for giving me the opportunity to coach the corners at Kent State University," said Tanski. "As a guy who was born and raised in Northeast Ohio and played in the MAC I am extremely excited to be back and ready to get to work!"
Tanski joins the Golden Flashes after spending seven seasons at Robert Morris University, where he served as the Colonials' special teams coordinator and safeties coach. He also played a key role in recruiting efforts and overseeing camps and clinics.
In 2024, Tanski led RMU's special teams to a dominant season, finishing No. 1 in the Northeast Conference and 18th nationally in net punting. The Colonials led the NEC in multiple categories, including kickoff net yards and punting average, while ranking in the Top 40 nationally in punt return defense, kickoff return average, and kickoff coverage. Under his guidance, kicker Jayson Jenkins earned Second Team All-Conference honors.
Over the past two seasons, Tanski's special teams units consistently ranked among the best in FCS. In 2023, RMU placed 11th nationally in kick return average and finished in the Top 25 in both blocked punts and blocked kicks. On the defensive side, the Colonials ranked 23rd in pass defense, further showcasing Tanski's ability to develop defensive backfield talent.
Before his time at RMU, Tanski served three years on staff at Syracuse University, working with linebackers and defensive backs as a defensive graduate assistant and quality control coach. He also contributed to the Orange's special teams units.
Tanski began his coaching career at the University of Findlay, where he held roles on both sides of the ball, including coaching wide receivers, outside linebackers, and defensive backs. His early coaching efforts helped develop All-GLIAC First Team selections and record-breaking receivers.
A native of Concord, Ohio, Tanski was named Ohio's Mr. Football in 2007 after leading Mentor High School to back-to-back state championship game appearances. He played quarterback and wide receiver at Bowling Green, eventually earning a scholarship and serving as team co-captain in 2012.
Tanski holds a Bachelor of Science in engineering technology from Bowling Green, a Master of Business Administration from Findlay, and a master's degree in instructional design from Syracuse.
Tanski and his wife, Taylor, have two daughters, Quinn and Zoe.
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