The Kent State Golden Flashes football program began play in 1920 and has competed in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) since 1951. The Flashes have an all-time record of 360-488-47, but have had some stretches of success in their history.
The Flashes' most successful era came under head coach Don James, who led the team from 1971 to 1974. During his four-year tenure, James led the Flashes to a 35-11 record, including two MAC championships (1972 and 1973) and two bowl appearances. James went on to coach the University of Washington to a national championship in 1991.
Other notable Kent State football coaches include Dick Mummey (who led the Flashes to a MAC championship in 1950) and Jim Tressel (who led the Flashes to a MAC championship in 1987 before going on to coach Ohio State to a national championship in 2002).
The Flashes have had several notable players over the years, including:
- Antonio Gates (Pro Football Hall of Famer)
- Jack Lambert (Pro Football Hall of Famer and 4-time Super Bowl Champion)
- Julian Edelman (Super Bowl Champion)
- Josh Cribbs
- James Harrison (Super Bowl Champion)
- Usama Young
- Abram Elam
Check out the best posts of the internet that tell the history of Kent State Golden Flashes football program in this collection we have assembled. The Flashes represent the Kent State University on the gridiron.
