Kent State: a football coaching history

Big movers show how many stature points they built or lost against what they inherited; steadier tenures show the tier they reached instead. A small blue arrow marks a real System Shift at that changeover — how hard the offense’s run/pass identity flipped.

2025–now

Mark Carney Short tenure

2026 offense ranked in the 1th percentile nationally — historically bad

8-13

2023–2024

Kenni Burns Short tenure

2024 offense ranked in the 2th percentile nationally — historically bad

1-23

2018–2022

Sean Lewis Steady

Sean Lewis held Kent State at Regional Program V for 5 seasons.

No outlier style signal this stint

+0.4 pts over 5 seasons · top 32% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Major Applewhite’s South Alabama run (2024–now)

10th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Paul Haynes (2013–2017) · succeeded by Kenni Burns (2023–2024).

System Shift, on arrival

System Shift, on departure

Season	2018	2019	2020	2021	2022
Record & result
Record	2-10	7-6	3-1	7-7	5-7
Postseason	—	W bowl	—	L bowl	—
Recruiting rank	#100	#102	#108	#117	#89
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	46.0	39.2	38.8	38.5	40.3
Coordinators
OC	Andrew Sowder	Andrew Sowder	Andrew Sowder	Andrew Sowder	Andrew Sowder
DC	Tom Kaufman	Tom Kaufman	Tom Kaufman	Tom Kaufman	Jeremiah Johnson
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	20	65	85	92	58
Defense	38	10	37	10	32
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	49.8	47.9	41.7	44.3	40.2
Red-zone pass%	38.5	30.8	29.2	28.7	34.0
4th-down go%opp. territory	36.2	17.0	63.6	34.6	38.6

Recruiter or developer?

Outperforms his recruiting talent on offense and underperforms his recruiting talent on defense.

Offense vs. talent

+27.4 pts

#16 of 208 · top quarter

Defense vs. talent

-12.6 pts

#158 of 208 · bottom quarter

Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.

Roster construction · portal era

Barely touches the portal — recruits and develops his own.

Portal arrivals

3.0★ avg rating

Portal departures

left via the portal

Net portal flow

-10

#163 of 187 FBS stints

Who they bring in

Brings in smaller-than-position-typical players than most.

Recruits older, more experienced transfers than most.

Avg. size (raw)

6′2″, 230 lbs

across 8 of 11 arrivals — unadjusted for position mix

Size vs. position-typical

+1.4 lbs

#209 of 255 · bottom quarter

Avg. class year

#1 of 255 · top quarter

Top states: FL (2), OH (2), DC (1), CA (1), MN (1)

Who won the portal our read

Talent added

31.5

position-weighted

Talent lost

46.0

position-weighted

Net

-14.5

arrivals minus departures

Best addition: Taj Mustapha (WR) from Wisconsin

Biggest loss: Woody Barrett (QB) to the portal

Position-value-weighted (QB/CB weighted highest, depth-decayed within each position) — the same scoring engine as the Portal Heat feed, not a separate grade.

Does the system survive a coordinator change?

DC: Tom Kaufman → Jeremiah Johnson · 2022

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

Roster size, by position

Skill positions · usage-weighted (real participation)

Quarterback

215 lbs

6′3″ avg · #320 of 767 · middle half

Running back

206 lbs

5′9″ avg · #432 of 791 · middle half

Wide receiver

189 lbs

6′0″ avg · #560 of 791 · middle half

Tight end

240 lbs

6′5″ avg · #553 of 731 · bottom quarter

Trench & secondary · recruited roster, not confirmed starters

Interior line

307 lbs

6′5″ avg · #484 of 779 · middle half

D-line

267 lbs

6′3″ avg · #705 of 753 · bottom quarter

Linebacker

235 lbs

6′2″ avg · #116 of 772 · top quarter

Cornerback

182 lbs

6′0″ avg · #713 of 771 · bottom quarter

Offensive-line size is one undifferentiated bucket — the source data almost never distinguishes tackle from guard from center, so we can't split them out.

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Kicker from high school

100%

#52 of 56 stints

Grows Tight end from high school

88%

#162 of 188 stints

Postseason detail2019: Beat Utah State 51-41 Tropical Smoothie Cafe Frisco Bowl2021: Lost to Wyoming 38-52 Famous Idaho Potato Bowl

+0.4

24-31

2013–2017

Paul Haynes Steady

Paul Haynes slid the Golden Flashes from Regional Program IV to Regional Program V in 5 seasons.

Swung 30.4 points of pass rate — #1 of 449 FBS coaching stints since 2004

−4.7 pts over 5 seasons · bottom 38% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Chip Lindsey’s Troy run (2019–2021)

6th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Darrell Hazell (2011–2012) · succeeded by Sean Lewis (2018–2022).

System Shift, on departure

System Shift, on arrival

Season	2013	2014	2015	2016	2017
Record & result
Record	4-8	2-9	3-9	3-9	2-10
Postseason	—	—	—	—	—
Recruiting rank	#117	#122	#102	#128	#126
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	45.5	61.5	43.4	38.2	31.0
Coordinators
OC	—	Brian Rock	Don Treadwell	Don Treadwell	Don Treadwell
DC	—	Brian George	Brian George	Ben Needham	Ben Needham / Jeff Burrow
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	43	11	0	65	3
Defense	47	48	75	36	45
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	37.6	57.3	36.3	31.6	29.3
Red-zone pass%	34.2	70.0	28.6	26.0	24.6
4th-down go%opp. territory	20.6	29.7	27.3	31.2	27.3

Recruiter or developer?

Underperforms his recruiting talent on offense and outperforms his recruiting talent on defense.

Offense vs. talent

-12.3 pts

#157 of 208 · bottom quarter

Defense vs. talent

+15.0 pts

#49 of 208 · top quarter

Recruiting talent is team-wide (no offense/defense split exists in the source data) -- both sides are scored against the same talent input, only the outcome is side-specific.

Does the system survive a coordinator change?

OC: Brian Rock → Don Treadwell · 2015

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

1st-down pass rate: 57.3% → 36.3% (-21.0 pts)

Confound, shown not hidden: only 48% of offensive production returned the year the coordinator changed — the roster turned over at the same time, not just the play-caller.

DC: Brian George → Ben Needham (co) · 2016

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

DC: Ben Needham (co) → Ben Needham (co) / Jeff Burrow (co) · 2017

1-season window either side — numbers shown, not enough to badge a verdict.

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Tight end from high school

100%

#164 of 188 stints

Grows Edge from high school

100%

#191 of 208 stints

1 NFL Draft pick: Dri Archer (2014)

−4.7

14-45

2011–2012

Darrell Hazell Short tenure

2011 offense ranked in the 1th percentile nationally — historically bad

16-10

2004–2010

Doug Martin Steady

Doug Martin moved Kent State from Regional Program VI to Regional Program V in 7 seasons.

Swung 26.7 points of pass rate — #3 of 449 FBS coaching stints since 2004

+4.7 pts over 7 seasons · top 35% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Steve Roberts’s Arkansas State run (2002–2010)

9th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Dean Pees (1998–2003) · succeeded by Darrell Hazell (2011–2012).

System Shift, on departure

Season	2004	2005	2006	2007	2008	2009	2010
Record & result
Record	5-6	1-10	6-6	3-9	4-8	5-7	5-7
Postseason	—	—	—	—	—	—	—
Recruiting rank	#111	#103	#113	#97	#94	#93	#101
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	48.3	62.2	35.5	36.6	36.3	50.0	50.5
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	41	16	32	45	84	5	18
Defense	59	94	89	41	25	89	69
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	58.5	59.0	36.7	40.5	36.1	50.0	49.2
Red-zone pass%	57.9	42.1	26.1	21.1	20.4	48.2	31.5
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	40.0	42.9	35.5	43.8	21.6	25.0

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Kicker from high school

100%

#52 of 56 stints

Grows Edge from high school

100%

#191 of 208 stints

4 NFL Draft picks: Usama Young (2007), Jack Williams (2008), Julian Edelman (2009), Jameson Konz (2010)

+4.7

29-53

1998–2003

Dean Pees Steady

Dean Pees slid Kent State from Regional Program VI to Regional Program V in 6 seasons.

−1.5 pts over 6 seasons · bottom 38% of 6-9-season tenures (368 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Brady Hoke’s San Diego State run (2009–2010, 2020–2023)

13th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Jim Corrigall (1994–1997) · succeeded by Doug Martin (2004–2010).

Where the roster comes from, by position

Grows Running back from high school

100%

#196 of 208 stints

Grows Tackle from high school

100%

#198 of 223 stints

2 NFL Draft picks: Eugene Baker (1999), Jason Gavadza (2000)

−1.5

17-51

1994–1997

Jim Corrigall Steady

Jim Corrigall moved Kent State from Regional Program V to Regional Program VI in 4 seasons.

+0.8 pts over 4 seasons · top 30% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Bill Lynch’s Indiana run (2007–2010)

12th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Pete Cordelli (1991–1993) · succeeded by Dean Pees (1998–2003).

2 NFL Draft picks: O.J. Santiago (1997), Bob Hallen (1998)

+0.8

8-35-1

1991–1993

Pete Cordelli Steady

Pete Cordelli held the Golden Flashes at Regional Program V for 3 seasons.

−2.6 pts over 3 seasons · top 47% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Jay Hopson’s Southern Miss run (2016–2020)

11th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Dick Crum (1988–1990) · succeeded by Jim Corrigall (1994–1997).

−2.6

3-30

1988–1990

Dick Crum Steady

Dick Crum held Kent State at Regional Program V for 3 seasons.

−1.8 pts over 3 seasons · top 43% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Brian Knorr’s Ohio run (2001–2004)

8th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Glen Mason (1986–1987) · succeeded by Pete Cordelli (1991–1993).

1 NFL Draft pick: Andy Harmon (1991)

−1.8

7-26

1986–1987

Glen Mason Short tenure

12-10

1983–1985

Dick Scesniak Steady

Dick Scesniak slid the Golden Flashes from Regional Program IV to Regional Program V in 3 seasons.

−3.4 pts over 3 seasons · bottom 46% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Tom Craft’s San Diego State run (2002–2005)

7th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Ed Chlebek (1981–1982) · succeeded by Glen Mason (1986–1987).

−3.4

8-25

1981–1982

Ed Chlebek Short tenure

4-18

1978–1980

Ron Blackledge Steady

Ron Blackledge slid Kent State from Regional Program I to Regional Program III in 3 seasons.

−9.7 pts over 3 seasons · bottom 14% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Brent Venables’s Oklahoma run (2022–now)

5th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Dennis Fitzgerald (1975–1977) · succeeded by Ed Chlebek (1981–1982).

1 NFL Draft pick: Mike Zele (1979)

−9.7

8-25

1975–1977

Dennis Fitzgerald Steady

Dennis Fitzgerald slid the Golden Flashes from National Program III to Regional Program I in 3 seasons.

−2.8 pts over 3 seasons · top 48% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Mick Dennehy’s Utah State run (2000–2004)

2nd-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Don James (1971–1974) · succeeded by Ron Blackledge (1978–1980).

2 NFL Draft picks: Larry "Abdul Salaam" Faulk (1976), Art Best (1977)

−2.8

18-16

1971–1974

Don James Steady

Don James moved the Golden Flashes from Regional Program II to National Program III in 4 seasons.

+7.2 pts over 4 seasons · top 9% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Butch Davis’s North Carolina run (2007–2010)

1st-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Dave Puddington (1968–1970) · succeeded by Dennis Fitzgerald (1975–1977).

Season	1971	1972	1973	1974
Record & result
Record	3-8	6-5-1	9-2	7-4
Postseason	—	L bowl	—	—
Recruiting rank	—	—	—	—
Style — pass rate
Pass rate	—	—	—	—
Outcome — opponent-adjusted efficiency percentile
Offense	—	—	—	—
Defense	—	—	—	—
Tendencies — play-by-play, neutral script
1st-down pass%	—	—	—	—
Red-zone pass%	—	—	—	—
4th-down go%opp. territory	—	—	—	—

Postseason detail1972: Lost to Tampa 18-21 Bowl

2 NFL Draft picks: Gerald Tinker (1974), Jack Lambert (1974)

+7.2

25-19-1

1968–1970

Dave Puddington Steady

Dave Puddington slid Kent State from Regional Program I to Regional Program II in 3 seasons.

−5.4 pts over 3 seasons · bottom 35% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: Ken Hatfield’s Clemson run (1990–1993)

4th-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Leo Strang (1964–1967) · succeeded by Don James (1971–1974).

1 NFL Draft pick: Jim Corrigall (1970)

−5.4

9-21

1964–1967

Leo Strang Steady

Leo Strang moved Kent State from Regional Program II to Regional Program I in 4 seasons.

+4.8 pts over 4 seasons · top 14% of 3-5-season tenures (717 in sample)

Closest comparable run: John Smith’s Utah State run (1995–1997)

3rd-best Kent State tenure of 13 by the numbers.

Followed Trevor Rees (1962–1963) · succeeded by Dave Puddington (1968–1970).

+4.8

17-20-2

1962–1963

Trevor Rees Short tenure

6-11-1