And then there were 11.
Kent State is removing the interim tag from head coach Mark Carney and giving him the position full-time, the program announced Thursday.
The Golden Flashes "erupted" and began chanting Carney's name when informed of the news, according to ESPN's Pete Thamel.
"Since taking over as interim head coach, Mark has instilled belief, togetherness, and a winning culture into our football program," said AD Randale Richmond. "The way he's positively impacted this team, this department, this campus, and this community, he's earned the right to lead this program."
Carney is in his third year with the program and was promoted to interim head coach in April after a multiple week investigation led to the termination of head coach Kenni Burns for multiple off-field concerns. On the field, Burns went 1-23, including 0-16 in MAC play. Carney is 3-5 overall, and 2-2 in MAC competition. The Golden Flashes hammered UMass 42-6 on Oct. 11 and defeated Bowling Green 24-21 on Saturday.
The UMass win was Kent State's first over an FBS opponent since Nov. 26, 2022 -- that's the Sean Lewis era -- and the Bowling Green win required the Flashes to rally from a 21-3 deficit. Those wins came after Kent State played the toughest non-conference schedule in college football -- at Texas Tech, at Florida State, and at Oklahoma, following their opening win over FCS Merrimack.
"Wow! What an incredible blessing to be named the next head football coach at Kent State University," said Carney. "I am humbled and honored to serve this University and our football program. The opportunity to lead a college football program in Northeast Ohio, a place that's home for me, is extremely special. I want to thank our University leadership team for entrusting me with this opportunity: President Todd Diacon and his staff, our athletic administrative team, specifically Randale Richmond and Greg Glaus. I'm very thankful for your direction and guidance throughout this process. I am so damn proud of our TEAM. What our players and staff have done over the last seven months inspires me daily. I am grateful to serve the young men in our locker room and look forward to continuing to build on Kent State football's outstanding history and tradition. Flash Nation, thank you for your love and support. Your energy has impacted me, and I look forward to seeing you back at Dix soon!"
Kent State is off this week before visiting Ball State on Wednesday, Nov. 5.