Football
- Title:
- Head Football Coach
Updated: March 2025
Kenni Burns was named the 23rd head football coach in Kent State football history on December 14, 2022.
In 2024, Burns and the Golden Flashes were one of the top big-play teams in the passing game, as they ranked 21st in the nation in passing yards per completion at 13.5 yards per completion. Quarterback Tommy Ulatowski ranked second in the nation, averaging 16.7 yards per completion. Burns and the Golden Flashes also had one of the best receivers in the nation, Chrishon McCray, who ranked 20th in the nation with nine touchdowns and 30th in the nation, averaging 17.63 yards per reception. The Golden Flashes saw three named to an All-MAC Team this season: Chrishon McCray (WR, 2nd Team), Luke Floriea (WR, 3rd Team), and DaShawn Martin (KR, 3rd Team).
In his first season, Burns earned his first win as a head coach on September 16, 2023, defeating Central Connecticut State 38-10. The Golden Flashes saw four named to an All-MAC Team in 2023: Chrishon McCray (WR, 1st Team), Andrew Glass (K, 2nd Team), Luke Floriea (WR, 3rd Team), and CJ West (DL, 3rd Team).
Burns comes to Kent from the University of Minnesota, where he has served as assistant head coach since 2019 and running backs coach under P.J. Fleck for the past six seasons. He is in his 15th year as a college coach. Burns was also a member of Fleck’s staff at Western Michigan in 2016, helping the Broncos finish the season ranked 26th, win the Mid-American Conference Championship, and earn a berth in the Cotton Bowl. Over the last six seasons, he’s become one of Fleck’s most essential assistants and was the chief architect of the Golden Gophers’ number 11 rushing attack in the nation in 2022. The Gophers’ rushing attack has gained over 2,000 yards in every full season during his tenure and has averaged at least 170 yards per game.
Before connecting with P.J. Fleck, Burns won three national championships with the North Dakota State Bison, serving as wide receivers coach from 2010-13. He was part of a staff that went 43-2 over four seasons. During the run, North Dakota State became the first FCS team to earn a vote in the final FBS AP Poll. He followed Craig Bohl and the North Dakota State coaching staff to Wyoming after the 2013 season, serving as the Cowboys’ wide receivers coach and passing game coordinator in 2014.
He got his college coaching start at Division-II’s Millersville (PA) before landing at Southern Illinois University, serving as the tight ends and fullbacks coach for the Salukis for two seasons. During his time in Carbondale, Southern Illinois went 20-5 with two conference titles, including an outright championship in 2009 with a perfect 8-0 record. His units paved the way for the #5 rushing attack in the FCS in 2009, averaging over 222 yards per game.
Burns’ student-athletes have excelled under his tutelage. With the Golden Gophers, Burns coached Rodney Smith, the program’s all-time leader in all-purpose yards and second on the Minnesota career rushing list. Mohammed Ibrahim was named the Big Ten’s Running Back of the Year in 2020, an AP Third-Team All-American and First-Team All-Big Ten.
He coached five All-Missouri Valley wide receivers at North Dakota State in his four seasons. The 2012 and 2013 National Champion teams had wide receivers record 1,000-yard seasons. In his two years with Southern Illinois, the Salukis had a fullback and a tight end on the all-conference team in both seasons.
A 2006 graduate of Indiana University, Burns played three seasons as a running back for the Hoosiers. He was the 2004 Iron Man Award recipient, given to the Hoosier who played the most snaps during the season. As a student-athlete, he served as a liaison between the student government and the athletic department. He completed his degree in general studies with a concentration in political science and a minor in African American Studies.
Burns and his wife Ciara have a daughter (Raziah) and a son (Kohen).
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT KENNI BURNS
In the Media
ESPN named him one of 45 Minority Coaches Under 45 to Watch in 2022.
Football Scoop identified Burns as one of their “Rising Stars” amongst minority coaches.
Administrators
Mark Coyle - University of Minnesota Director of Athletics
Kent State has made a great choice in Kenni Burns. Coach Burns, his wife, Ciara, and their two children, will no doubt have an immediate impact on the program. His commitment to his student-athletes and the Kent State community will be unmatched.
John Cunningham - University of Cincinnati Director of Athletics
Kenni is a tremendous coach and an even better person. I saw firsthand the kind of coach he is during our time together at Minnesota, and I saw that he will always have the best interest of the student athletes. I look forward to following his success at Kent State.
Mario Moccia - New Mexico State Director of Athletics
Kent State University just made a tremendous hire with Coach Kenni Burns. I had the privilege of working with Coach Burns when I was Director of Athletics at Southern Illinois University and he was a standout on a staff that had substantial success at the FCS level. As he has ascended through the coaching ranks through his time at Minnesota, I have always had an eye on him and he was always on my short list. Kenni is more than prepared to take on the role of head coach at Kent State University and I am sure he and Ciara are excited to join some of the all-time greats affiliated with the Golden Flashes’ football program.
Coaches
PJ Fleck - Head Coach - University of Minnesota
Kenni is an elite coach and I am thrilled for him, his family and for Kent State. This is a tremendous hire and the Golden Flashes are getting someone who has meant a lot to our program, who excels at connecting with his players and getting the most out of them on the field, in the classroom and in the community. Kenni will do it his way! I am excited to follow his journey!
Chris Klieman - Head Coach - Kansas State University
I am happy for Kenni to get the opportunity to lead the Kent State program. From the time I started working with him at North Dakota State in 2011, it was evident that he was a high-energy, driven coach that builds great relationships with his players. Kent State is in great hands with Kenni as he has prepared his entire career for this moment and is ready to take on this challenge.
