By Colin McGuigan

March 28, 2025

Kent State has placed head coach Kenni Burns on administrative leave.

Kent State did not give any details on why Burns was placed on leave.

The university in a statement Thursday said that Burns was put on leave with pay and that the administrative responsibilities of the program is being overseen by Greg Glaus, executive deputy athletics director and that offensive coordinator Mark Carney is in charge of on-field activities.

The Golden Flashes began spring practices this weekend.

Media reports across the country have been stating that one issue is there is a detailed legal battle with Hometown Bank of Ohio for over $24,000 in unsettled credit card debt. And other reports are saying that there is a possibility of gambling infractions. All of these allegations are rumors, speculation and are not substantial.

The 41-year-old, Burns has a 1-23 record in two seasons with the Golden Flashes. They were 0-12 last season, the fifth time in school history they had gone winless. But during his tenure to be fair, Kent State has had to play “money” games against schools like Penn State, Pittsburgh, Tennessee, Fresno State and UCF to fund the other athletic programs in the school.

Before arriving at Kent State, Burns was the running backs coach at Minnesota.

INFORMATION GATHERED FROM TV, RADIO, TALK SHOWS, SOCIAL MEDIA AND STAFF REPORTS