Former Kent State coach took over $100,000 in loans from booster, investigation says

Kent State never publicly gave a reason as to why Burns was placed on administrative leave or fired. 

There was no evidence that Burns paid interest on the loans. 

While Burns received the loans from Awad, Awad helped him open a credit card with Hometown Bank. In 2024, Burns failed to make the minimum payments and exceeded the credit card's limit and was sued by the bank, according to the Akron Beacon Journal. 

The bank's suit against Burns was settled once the former Kent State coach had paid off what he owed. 

The loans that Burns received might have violated the state's ethics laws, which prevent state employees from receiving benefits from boosters. 

Burns was hired by Kent State prior to the 2023 season and saw little success as head coach. The team went 1-23 during his tenure, and they did not have a win over an FBS team. 

Kent State has the longest active losing streak in NCAA Division I football.