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KENT, OH - When asked about the requirements for the next football coach at Kent State University, Athletic Director Joel Nielsen recently said he wanted a coach that is familiar with the university, familiar with the Mid-American Conference, and understands recruiting inside the state of Ohio.
The Golden Flashes now feel they have that man in Ohio State Assistant Head Coach and Wide Receivers Coach Darrell Hazell, who Monday afternoon was introduced as the 20th head coach in school history.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Darrell to the Kent State family,” Nielsen said. “When you’re looking for a head football coach, it’s not just a matter of if they can coach – it’s important to make sure they are a fit for this program, this campus and this community. I have no doubt in my mind that Darrell is that person.
Hazell, who becomes the first African-American to head up the program, will have a base salary of $300,000, with additional contractual details to be worked out.
“I’m proud and excited to be named Kent State’s head football coach,” Hazell said. “I believe this is a tremendous opportunity, and I can’t wait to give the Golden Flashes fans the winning program they deserve. Many of the pieces are in place to be successful, and I’m confident that with a lot of hard work, we’ll get it done.”
Even as he moves into his new role, however, Hazel has some unfinished business to complete. He will continue his duties with Ohio State until the Buckeyes finish their season January 4 with an appearance against Auburn in the Allstate Sugar Bowl.
Hazell has spent the past seven seasons as a member of the OSU coaching staff and boasts 25 years of experience as a collegiate coach. During his time in Columbus, he developed a number of All-Big Ten players, including six of whom currently play in the NFL.
"No one has had more of an impact on my career as a football player than coach Hazell. However, in many ways, it is the impact that he has had on me as a person that I value most," said Anthony Gonzales, a former Buckeye player (2004-2007) and current wide receiver for the Indianapolis Colts. "It is this combination of football know-how and personal integrity that will make him a great addition to Kent State University."
A native of Cinnaminson, New Jersey, Hazell joined Ohio State following a three-year stint at Rutgers. He also coached at West Virginia, Army, Western Michigan (1995-96 under head coach Al Molde), Penn, Eastern Illinois and Oberlin.
Hazell played his collegiate ball at Muskingum College, cracking the starting lineup as a receiver during his sophomore year and winning all-conference honors three times. As a senior, he also earned All-American honors and was selected by teammates as a team captain. He graduated in 1986 and was inducted into the Muskingum Hall of Fame in 1993.
Darrell and Annemarie have a son, Kyle.
Hazell replaces Doug Martin, who resigned as head coach in November after seven seasons at the school. Martin compiled a 28-53 overall record (20-47 in MAC play) and guided the Flashes to a 5-7 record this past season.
When he was hired early this year to replace the retiring Dr. Laing Kennedy, Nielsen said he wanted to make KSU football one of the top teams in the MAC. The hiring of Hazell is Nielsen’s first major hiring in his position. Both men have their work cut out for them as the Golden Flashes have not had a winning season since 2001 (6-5) when Dean Pees was head coach.
The cupboard will not be bare for Hazell as the Flashes return 10 of 11 starters on offense, including quarterback Spencer Keith, running back Jacquise Terry, and receivers Tyshon Goode and Sam Kirkland. Defensively, he will have the current MAC Defensive Player of the Year in Roosevelt Nix, and a core of young players including linebacker Luke Batton.
Kent State will open its 2011 schedule on Saturday September 6 at nationally-ranked Alabama.
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