Kenni Burns is heading into his second season as head coach of Kent State as he looks to improve on a disappointing 2023 campaign. However, with non-conference games against Pittsburgh, Tennessee, and Penn State on the schedule for 2024, it will be a difficult season again for the Golden Flashes.
2024 is about continuing to build a culture for Kent State. Off the back of an extension, what is Burns’ salary, contract, and net worth in 2024?
Kenni Burns’ Salary and Contract in 2024
Burns signed a five-year $2.7 million contract in December 2022, earning him a base salary of $525,000 in 2024. However, several bonuses and incentives are available to the Kent State head coach that could boost his earnings for the upcoming campaign.
Additionally — after struggling in his first year — Burns was granted a contract extension in February 2024, effectively adding an extra year to his contract. The extension reset the Kent State HC’s contract, with Athletics Director Randal Richmond stating that 2023 was “year zero” for Burns.
This means that Burns’ five-year $2.7 million contract will see him retained until 2028, with his salary increasing incrementally. Furthermore, Cleveland.com reports various opportunities for Burns to earn more annually. They include:
- $50,000 per season for media obligation.
- $15,000 if the team has a minimum of a 2.5 GPA.
- $15,000 for MAC Coach of the Year.
- $10,000 for winning the MAC.
- $15,000 for a bowl appearance, increasing to $20,000 for a bowl win.
- $250,000 for winning the College Football National Championship.
- $5,000 for beating the Akron Zips.
Cleveland.com also claims other achievable bonuses based on ticket sales and season win totals are available.
Burns’ current contract will see him earn $525,000 again in 2025, with his salary increasing to $545,000 in 2026 and 2027 before topping out at $565,000 in 2028.
The annual salary is in line with that of former Kent State head coach Sean Lewis, who was reportedly earning $530,000 when he left the Golden Flashes.
Prior to taking the Kent State job, Burns was a running backs coach and assistant head coach with the Minnesota Golden Gophers, with his career dating back to 2007.
Kent State is Burns’ first head coaching role, but 2023 did not go to plan for the first-time head coach. A 1-11 season followed, with the Flashes’ sole win coming against Central Connecticut in September. They also went winless in conference play.
Burns’ Net Worth
Burn’s net worth is not officially reported. However, we can calculate his annual salary back to 2014. USAToday’s Salary Tracker shows that the Kent State HC has earned a minimum of $2.4 million to date.
Additionally, Burns will earn another $2.1 million during his contract at Kent State, meaning the Flashes HC will have earned at least $4.5 million over his career.
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However, this calculation doesn’t take into account salaries before 2014, when Burn worked as a positions coach at North Dakota State, Southern Illinois, and Millerville. It also doesn’t reflect any non-disclosed bonuses, perks, or incentives received.
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