Man, things change fast around here. One minute, you’re fighting to survive another harsh season, and the next, you’re facing an uncertain future. And that’s exactly what is happening with Kent State HC Kenni Burns. Who was already stuck in the CFB abyss, trudging through a 1-11 and 0-12 season. And now? Boom—he’s on administrative leave.

But things weren’t always so difficult for Burns. Back in Minnesota, he had a solid run as the Gophers’ running backs coach (2017-22) and even served as assistant head coach (2019-22). He developed star players like Rodney Smith, Minnesota’s third all-time leading rusher and all-purpose yards leader, and Mohamed Ibrahim, who holds the program’s all-time rushing record and was a Big Ten Running Back of the Year in 2020. Now, all that success feels like a distant memory. So what really happened with the Golden Flashes?

Kenni Burns’ recent controversies & administrative leave placement

Well, Kent State isn’t spilling the details yet, but head coach Kenni Burns is officially on ice. As CFB reporter Matt Zenitz hit the news on X, saying, “Kent State has placed head coach Kenni Burns on administrative leave, a source tells”. And just like that, the Golden Flashes are scrambling. But for now, OC Mark Carney is managing daily operations, while Executive Deputy AD Greg Glaus oversees off-field matters.

The university hasn’t explained his administrative leave, only that it’s in effect—for the time being. But let’s be real—this didn’t come out of nowhere. Back in September, a local Ohio bank sued Burns for almost $24,000 in unpaid credit card debt. He was also hit with a default judgment in December, but the bank’s request to dismiss the case was approved by the court in January.

Later, Kenni Burns addressed the scenario to CBS Sports, saying, “My wife and I are aware of a legal matter involving debt related to paying off a recent remodel and move. We are working swiftly to address this matter.”

It is unclear when someone opened the account or what purchases caused the debt, but court records indicate the card was 60 days past due as of August 5, 2024. Even after receiving the bank’s formal complaint by certified mail, Burns remained unresponsive and didn’t enter the plea. This resulted in a motion for default judgment on November 13.

Speculating on the situation, plaintiffs’ attorney Jason Whitacre discussed the matter with CBS Sports, stating, “The documents attached to the complaint and the allegations in the complaint kind of speak for themselves.” Could this have been the reason for his departure? Or is there something else going on behind the scenes? The future remains uncertain, but here’s the wild part—despite a challenging season, Kenni Burns was actually earning a substantial income at Kent State.

How much does Kenni Burns earn? His salary, contract, and net worth

Now, Kenni Burns’ coaching history might suggest he is starting from scratch, but his salary tells a different story. In December 2022, Kent State awarded him a generous five-year, $2.7 million contract with a salary of $525,000 for 2024 and incremental raises planned until 2028. Despite a challenging 1-11 first season, rather than facing scrutiny, Kent State labeled it as “year zero” and granted him a contract extension in February 2024. His agreement now spans until 2028, with his salary set to reach $565,000 in the final year.

In addition to his base pay, Burns’ contract includes various bonuses and incentives, giving him more earning opportunities. He earns $50,000 annually for media commitments, $15,000 if the team achieves a 2.5 GPA, and $5,000 for defeating Akron. Plus, milestones like winning the MAC title, securing a bowl game spot, or even claiming a national championship could yield bonuses ranging from $10,000 to $250,000.

Since 2014, he has earned at least $2.4 million. His Kent State contract will increase that figure to over $4.5 million by the time he finishes. While his precise net worth remains undisclosed, his background in coaching at Big Ten schools and his salary as a MAC-level head coach indicate that he is financially secure.

Prior to his time at Kent State, Kenni Burns made a name for himself coaching running backs at Minnesota from 2017 to 2022 and at Western Michigan before that. He also has experience coaching receivers at Wyoming and North Dakota State, tight ends and fullbacks at Southern Illinois, and began his career at Millersville in 2007. Look, Kent State took a chance on him, but the question remains: How far can they go under his leadership? And if not Burns, who else could step up to lead Kent State towards a brighter future?

Can Kent State fire Kenni Burns? Who can replace him as head coach?

It appears that Kent State is once again facing a challenging situation. While the school recently extended Kenni Burns’ contract through 2028, the inconsistency remains intact. The university has the option to dismiss Burns based on specific clauses in his contract, such as failing to meet performance targets, misconduct, or violating university policies. But the lack of transparency regarding the contract details makes it uncertain if the recent struggles meet the criteria for termination.

Issues like administrative leave, financial constraints, and the team’s poor performance may prompt Kent State to reassess whether retaining Burns is a wise decision. If the Golden Flashes opt to make a change, the question arises: Who will step in to address the situation?

There’s Brennan Marion, the former offensive coordinator at UNLV, who develops dynamic offenses and has connections throughout college football. Even Van Malone, the associate head coach at Kansas State, brings defensive expertise and strong leadership skills. Charlie Frye, the former offensive coordinator at FAU and an ex-MAC quarterback, possesses in-depth knowledge of the conference.

If Kent State prioritizes experience over potential, they may consider Mike Denbrock, the OC at Notre Dame, who is a seasoned play-caller well-versed in Midwest football. Another option could be Bryan Ellis, the tight ends coach at Alabama, who is gaining recognition for his strong offensive background. Last but not least, Ben Arbuckle, the offensive coordinator at Oklahoma Sooners, is also a compelling choice. He has proven his ability to develop high-octane passing offenses.

While Kenni Burns still has time to demonstrate his suitability for the position, Kent State cannot afford another disappointing season. If 2025 mirrors the disappointments of 2023 and 2024, extending Burns’ contract may not hold much weight.