Kent State named Mark Carney the full-time football coach after he led the Golden Flashes to a 3-5 record so far this season (2-2 in the MAC) while in an interim role.

That's a considerable feat for a Kent State program that went 1-23 the past two seasons, prompting the firing of Kenni Burns prior to the 2025 season. Kent State elevated Carney to interim and he took advantage of that opportunity, turning the program's fortunes around in his first eight games in charge.

"Since taking over as interim head coach, Mark has instilled belief, togetherness, and a winning culture into our football program," said athletic director Randale Richmond. "The way he's positively impacted this team, this department, this campus, and this community, he's earned the right to lead this program."

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