In a surprising turn for Kennesaw State University’s football program, Brian Bohannon, the only head coach the Owls have ever known, announced his resignation following a tough 43-35 double-overtime loss to UTEP. Bohannon, who helped establish the team from the ground up and navigated its recent leap from the FCS to the FBS, will be stepping down with an overall record of 72-38 over ten seasons. This season, however, has been particularly challenging for the Owls, who are 1-8 and facing mounting struggles as they adapt to the FBS level.
Kennesaw State Athletic Director Thanks Bohannon for His Impact
Milton Overton, Kennesaw State’s athletic director, released a statement acknowledging Bohannon’s immense contributions to the program. “Coach Brian Bohannon informed me this morning that he has decided to step down as our head football coach,” Overton stated. “I want to express my sincere appreciation to Coach Bohannon and his family for their dedication to Kennesaw State University and our football program over the past 11 years.”
Overton credited Bohannon with laying the foundation for Kennesaw State’s football identity, noting his leadership and unwavering commitment to building the team. Under Bohannon’s watch, the Owls not only rose to relevance quickly but also represented the university with character and professionalism, becoming a notable presence in the FCS and Big South Conference.
Bohannon’s Legacy: A Winning Start and Historic Records
Bohannon’s impact on Kennesaw State is undeniable. Taking over in 2015, Bohannon led the Owls to a 6-5 season in their debut year, an impressive start for a newly formed program. His second year saw the team winning eight games, which set the tone for their remarkable performance over the next several seasons.
From 2017 to 2019, the Owls compiled a stellar 34-7 record, including two Big South Conference championships and a string of 11-win seasons, establishing themselves as a force in the FCS. Notably, Kennesaw State achieved a 48-15 record in its first five years of existence — the best of any FCS startup program. This winning streak included three consecutive seasons with at least 11 wins, a feat unmatched by other teams in their early years.
A Rocky Transition to FBS Football
The 2024 season marked Kennesaw State’s move from FCS to FBS as a member of Conference USA. Yet, the transition has been challenging for the Owls, who have found themselves outmatched by more established FBS teams. The highlight of their season came on October 23 when they pulled off a shocking 27-24 upset over Liberty, handing the previously unbeaten team its first loss and snapping Liberty’s 18-game winning streak in regular season and conference play. This historic victory marked the first time in over two decades that a team with an 0-5 record or worse defeated a team that was 5-0 or better, making headlines across the college football world.
However, that win has been a rare bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season, as the Owls have struggled to find their footing in the FBS. Bohannon’s decision to step down comes amid mounting challenges, as the Owls look to regroup and rebuild for the remainder of their season and beyond.
Interim Coach Chandler Burks Takes the Helm for Remaining Games
Following Bohannon’s departure, co-offensive coordinator Chandler Burks has been appointed as the interim head coach. Burks, a former Kennesaw State quarterback and familiar face within the program, will guide the Owls through their final three games of the season. With his experience and understanding of Bohannon’s system, Burks hopes to provide stability and inspire the team during the season’s closing stretch.
Kennesaw State’s Future: A Time for Reflection and Rebuilding
As Kennesaw State begins its search for a new head coach, Bohannon’s legacy will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression. He was a two-time Big South Conference Coach of the Year and was honored as the FCS National Coach of the Year by the American Football Coaches Association in 2017. Bohannon’s vision and leadership built a program that went from FCS newcomer to one of the most successful startups in FCS history.
The Owls now face the challenge of finding a new leader who can build on Bohannon’s foundation and help them continue to evolve in the FBS landscape. As they adjust to this transition and face off against tougher competition, the team will be looking to recapture the spirit and resilience that defined their early years under Bohannon.
