Mark Carney's appointment as Kent State's full-time head football coach in October just received a major stamp of approval from one of the program's most iconic figures. Golden Flashes legend and former Cleveland Browns star Josh Cribbs recently visited campus and offered a glowing review of the new era under Carney.

"What he has been able to do in just a short period of time, A-plus," Cribbs said in a social media video, praising the coach's immediate impact. This endorsement carries significant weight, especially considering Cribbs had previously expressed interest in the coaching job himself after former coach Kenni Burns was placed on leave in early 2025.

Carney, a Cleveland native promoted from offensive coordinator, seized the interim opportunity. He guided a team that had gone a combined 1-23 in the previous two seasons to a more competitive 5-7 (4-4 MAC) finish in 2025. This marked turnaround prompted Kent State to remove his interim tag mid-season and sign him to a contract through 2029.

During his visit to Dix Stadium, Cribbs commended Carney for the program's rapid resurgence. For Golden Flashes fans, having a franchise legend publicly back the new coach's direction is a powerful signal that the team is building something special, creating genuine excitement for the future of Kent State football.