Kent State places HC on leave days before spring ball

Kenni Burns. Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Kent State places head coach on administrative leave days before spring practice begins

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Mar 27, 2025 11:18 PM ET

Kent State is dealing with an issue regarding head coach Kenni Burns, and it likely has nothing to do with his 1-23 record over his two seasons in charge.

A report from Pete Thamel of ESPN suggests that there's something bigger at play for the Golden Flashes head coach. Thamel is reporting that Kent State has placed Burns on administrative leave, just days before spring practices are set to begin.

Sources: Kent State football coach Kenni Burns has been placed on administrative leave.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) March 27, 2025

Kent State didn't provide a reason for the decision. However, placing him on leave this close to spring practice would suggest this is an off-field matter.

Notably, Burns had to go to court in late 2024 for $24,000 unpaid credit card debt. According to the complaint by Hometown Bank, Burns did not make his minimum monthly payments, and he had exceeded his credit limit of $20,000.

"My wife and I are aware of a legal matter involving debt related to paying off a recent remodel and move," Burns wrote in a statement to CBS Sports at the time. "We are working swiftly to address this matter."

It is uncertain whether that matter and Burns being placed on leave are related, but the school did release a statement.

Kent State University has released the following statement to me on head football coach Kenni Burns being placed on administrative leave: pic.twitter.com/VWkvXLkPuX
— Brad Stainbrook (@StainbrookNFL) March 27, 2025