In a shocking development, Kennesaw State University head football coach Brian Bohannon has stepped down from his position following the team’s 43-35 double-overtime loss to UTEP on Saturday. The resignation comes amidst the Owls’ challenging transition from the FCS to the FBS level as a member of Conference USA, with the team currently holding a disappointing 1-8 record in their inaugural FBS campaign.
Bohannon, who had been at the helm of the Kennesaw State football program since its inception in 2015, informed Athletic Director Milton Overton of his decision to resign on Sunday morning. In a statement, Overton expressed his gratitude for Bohannon’s dedication and leadership over the past 11 years.
“Coach Brian Bohannon informed me this morning that he has decided to step down as our head football coach. 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.”
– Milton Overton, Kennesaw State Athletic Director
A Storied FCS Career
During his tenure, Bohannon guided the Owls to remarkable success at the FCS level. As a startup program in 2015, Kennesaw State won their first game and finished with an impressive 6-5 record in their inaugural season. The team continued to improve, winning eight games in their second year and compiling a stellar 34-7 record from 2017 to 2019, which included two Big South Conference championships.
The Owls’ 48-15 record over their first five seasons stands as the best mark by an FCS startup program, and they remain the only FCS team to have three consecutive 11-win seasons within their first five years of competition. Bohannon’s success earned him recognition as a two-time Big South Conference Coach of the Year and the 2017 AFCA FCS National Coach of the Year.
Struggling in the FBS
However, the move to the FBS level as a member of Conference USA has proven to be a significant challenge for the Owls. The team has been largely outmatched by their new competition, with their sole victory coming in a stunning 27-24 upset over previously unbeaten Liberty on October 23. The win ended Liberty’s 18-game regular season and conference championship winning streak, which was the longest active streak in the FBS at the time.
Despite the momentous victory, the Owls have struggled to maintain momentum, as evidenced by their 1-8 record. The demanding nature of FBS competition, coupled with the need to rapidly adjust to a higher level of play, has taken its toll on the program and its coaching staff.
The Road Ahead
In the wake of Bohannon’s resignation, co-offensive coordinator Chandler Burks has been named as the interim head coach for the Owls’ final three games of the season. Burks, who has been with the program since its inception, will be tasked with keeping the team focused and competitive as they navigate the remainder of their challenging schedule.
As for the long-term future of the program, Kennesaw State will undoubtedly begin a thorough search for a new head coach who can guide the team through the demanding transition to FBS football. The university will need to identify a candidate with the experience, vision, and leadership skills necessary to build upon the foundation laid by Bohannon and help the Owls establish themselves as a competitive force in Conference USA.
The road ahead for Kennesaw State football is uncertain, but the program’s history of success and the unwavering support of the university and its fans provide reason for optimism. As the Owls close out their inaugural FBS season and begin a new chapter, the focus will be on learning from the challenges faced, adapting to the rigors of top-level college football, and building a sustainable model for success in the years to come.
