Report: Minnesota assistant targeted for MAC head coaching job

One piece of PJ Fleck’s staff at Minnesota could be on the move this off-season.

According to multiple reports, running backs coach Kenni Burns is being targeted for the head coaching vacancy at Kent State. ESPN’s Pete Thamel reported a deal is being finalized to bring Burns to Kent State while Adam Rittenberg reported the two sides are working through a deal.

Rittenberg also added that Burns has been a target for the Golden Flashes from the start.

Source adds the sides are “working through a deal.” Kent State AD Randale Richmond has known Burns for several years, and has been impressed with his role in developing the Minnesota culture alongside P.J. Fleck. Burns has been a clear target from the start of the search. https://t.co/abdmrtNYYI

— Adam Rittenberg (@ESPNRittenberg) December 13, 2022

Burns has been Fleck’s RBs coach going back to Western Michigan in 2016. Fleck brought Burns along to Minnesota with Burns adding the role of assistant head coach in 2019.

We will see if Burns is indeed the coach Kent State goes with to try and turn the program around.