Kent State Football Coach Joins Miami Dolphins

CJ Conrad departs Kent State to take offensive assistant role with NFL team.

Mar. 1, 2026 at 8:31am

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CJ Conrad, who served as the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach for the Kent State University football team in 2025, is leaving the college ranks to join the Miami Dolphins as an offensive assistant.

Why it matters

Conrad's departure is a loss for the Kent State football program, which saw significant improvement in special teams and tight end play under his leadership last season. His move to the NFL represents an opportunity to advance his coaching career at the professional level.

The details

After a successful 2025 campaign at Kent State, where he oversaw the team's special teams units and tight ends, Conrad has been hired by the Miami Dolphins as an offensive assistant. This represents a step up in his coaching career as he transitions from the college to the professional ranks.

  • CJ Conrad served as Kent State's special teams coordinator and tight ends coach in 2025.

The players

CJ Conrad

A former college football player who had been serving as the special teams coordinator and tight ends coach for the Kent State University football team.

Miami Dolphins

A professional American football team based in Miami, Florida that plays in the National Football League (NFL).

Kent State University

A public research university located in Kent, Ohio that fields a Division I football team in the Mid-American Conference.

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What’s next

Conrad will begin his new role with the Miami Dolphins immediately, as the team prepares for the upcoming NFL season.

The takeaway

CJ Conrad's move from the college ranks to the NFL represents an exciting career advancement, but also a loss for the Kent State football program that benefited from his coaching expertise in 2025.