Kent State Vice President and Director of Intercollegiate Athletics Randale L. Richmond has announced a one-year contract extension for head football coach Kenni Burns through the 2028 season.

"Kenni has taken over the program during an unprecedented time in the College Football landscape. As such, we considered this past season, 'year zero', "Richmond said. "This extension gives he and his staff an opportunity to build the program the right way for sustained success and is a testament to the tremendous confidence we have in the Kent GRIT football era."

Burns is a proven winner in his coaching career, coming to Kent State after working with P.J. Fleck at both Western Michigan and Minnesota. He helped lead Minnesota to the best record at Minnesota since 1904, leading them to the Outback Bowl in 2019. He helped rebuild the Western Michigan Broncos, culminating in a MAC Championship in 2016 and a berth in the Cotton Bowl.

"I am very fortunate and appreciate the opportunity to continue to lead our football team," Burns said." My family and I are blessed to work with leaders like President Diacon, Randale Richmond, Greg Glaus, and Jessie Ely, who all have faith in our vision for the program. I remain committed to this University, and I am excited to continue to lead our football team into a new era—the Kent G.R.I.T. era. I'm proud to be a Golden Flash and a member of this great University!"

His track record of success extends to the FCS level. At Southern Illinois, Burns was part of a staff that went 20-5 and captured two conference titles, including an outright title in 2009. He is a three-time national champion for his work with North Dakota State. In his four seasons in Fargo, the Bison went 43-2 and became the first FCS team to earn a vote in the final AP poll.

"Coach Burns hit the ground running once he arrived in December 2022, replacing 45 scholarships and assembling a staff and recruiting class in short order. We have seen great progress in the classroom, in the community, and in leadership on and off the football field. I'm really excited about the direction in which our football program is headed," Richmond added.

The Golden Flashes open the 2024 season at Pitt on Saturday, August 31st. The home season opens the following Saturday on September 7th against the Saint Francis University Red Flash.