Former Kent State football coach Kenni Burns’ abrupt dismissal in April 2025 has finally been explained, revealing a significant financial entanglement with a university booster. An independent investigation, conducted by an outside law firm, uncovered that Burns received over $100,000 in loans from Michael Awad, who also happened to be a school vendor. This revelation sheds light on the previously unexplained administrative leave and subsequent firing of Burns.
The investigation details how the loans, totaling $109,000, began in 2023 after Burns claimed his house had flooded, leaving him in a precarious financial situation. He reportedly hadn’t sold his previous home in Minnesota, further exacerbating his financial difficulties. Burns commenced repayment in October 2023, settling the debt over fourteen months with a series of nine checks. Notably, there’s no record of any interest payments on these loans.
The Akron Beacon Journal reported further details, including Awad’s assistance in helping Burns obtain a credit card with Hometown Bank. Burns subsequently struggled to meet minimum payments, exceeding his credit limit, leading to a lawsuit from the bank. This legal action was eventually resolved after Burns fulfilled his financial obligations.
The nature of these loans raises serious questions about potential violations of state ethics laws, which prohibit state employees from receiving benefits from boosters. Given the significant sum involved and the lack of transparency surrounding the situation, the investigation’s findings are likely to spark further scrutiny of the university’s oversight processes and ethical guidelines.
Burns’ coaching tenure at Kent State was undeniably unsuccessful. The team’s dismal 1-23 record during his time, without a single victory against an FBS opponent, contributed to the overall controversy surrounding his departure. Kent State now holds the unenviable distinction of having the longest active losing streak in NCAA Division I football, adding another layer of complexity to this already troubling situation. The fallout from this scandal will undoubtedly have lasting implications for the Kent State football program and its leadership.
