Kenni Burns, head football coach at Kent State, has announced several staff promotions ahead of the 2024 spring football season. Mark Carney is named offensive coordinator, bringing experience from coaching tight ends and inside wide receivers last season, and serving as the OC for the Charlotte 49ers. Mark Watson Jr. becomes the running backs coach and recruiting coordinator, previously contributing to the success of the Flashes' rushing tandem and leading recruiting efforts at South Dakota. CJ Robbins transitions to linebackers coach and special teams coordinator, leveraging prior experience at South Dakota and Minnesota. Kody Morgan takes on the role of co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach, with a background in coaching defensive backs at North Dakota State and Wisconsin-Stout. The 2024 spring season commences in March and concludes with Flash Bowl II on April 27th.

By the Numbers
  • Mark Carney served as the OC for the Charlotte 49ers for three seasons.
  • Charlotte averaged nearly 400 yards of offense per game during Carney's tenure as OC.
  • Mark Watson Jr. was the Director of Player Development at South Dakota for three seasons.
  • The South Dakota Coyotes reached the FCS playoffs for the first time in program history during Watson's four-year tenure.
  • Kody Morgan worked with defensive backs and safeties at North Dakota State during his five-year coaching tenure.
State of Play
  • Staff promotions announced by head football coach Kenni Burns ahead of the 2024 spring football season.
  • Mark Carney, Mark Watson Jr., CJ Robbins, and Kody Morgan take on key coaching roles for the Golden Flashes.
  • The 2024 spring season is set to kick off in March and culminate with Flash Bowl II on April 27th.