Following up on reports that surfaced Sunday night, Kent State has officially announced the hiring of their new head coach.
Ohio State assistant head coach/wide receivers head coach Darrell Hazell was introduced during a press conference Monday afternoon as the Golden Flashes’ replacement for Doug Martin, who announced his resignation before the end of the 2010 regular season. Hazell becomes the first minority head coach in the 90-year history of the school.
“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Darrell to the Kent State family,” says Nielsen. “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.”
“I’m proud and excited to be named Kent State’s head football coach,” says Hazell. “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.”
Hazell is the first OSU assistant Jim Tressel has lost to a head coaching job since Mark Snyder went to Marshall after the 2004 season.
“I’m so excited for Darrell Hazell as he takes over as the head coach at Kent State,” The Vest said in a statement. “He has certainly been a difference-maker at Ohio State. The Golden Flashes are starting a golden era led by Darrell Hazell. His Buckeye family wishes him every success.”
Hazell’s base salary will be $300,000 with additional contractual details yet to be worked out.
In addition to his seven-year stint with the Buckeyes, Hazell also spent time on staffs at Rutgers and West Virginia.
The developments of today mean that there are three Div. 1-A programs with vacancies: Maryland, Miami of Ohio and Temple.
(Photo courtesy of Kent State University.)