Former Kent State Football Coach Sues University Over Firing

Kenni Burns alleges wrongful termination, breach of contract, and defamation in lawsuit against Kent State and top officials.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:21am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Former Kent State football coach Kenni Burns has filed a lawsuit against the university and several top officials, alleging that his April 2025 firing was part of a "conspiracy" to save the school money. Burns claims he was wrongfully terminated, had his contract breached, and was defamed by the university's claims about his use of a purchasing card and a loan from a prominent booster.

Why it matters

This case highlights the ongoing tensions between college coaches, their employers, and booster relationships, as well as the legal battles that can arise over contract disputes and allegations of misconduct. It also raises questions about the transparency and fairness of university disciplinary processes for high-profile employees like head coaches.

The details

According to the lawsuit, Kent State fired Burns weeks after placing him on administrative leave, citing significant and repetitive violations of the purchasing card he received from the university as well as violations of the school's conflict of interest and conduct policies. Burns claims he never received proper training on the purchasing card and provided receipts for disputed expenses. The lawsuit also alleges that the university wasn't paying Burns his full salary and that he had to take out loans from a booster to cover costs, which the school claims violated conflict of interest policies.

  • Kent State fired Burns in April 2025.
  • Burns was placed on administrative leave prior to his firing.
  • An October 2024 audit led to the suspension of Burns' purchasing card.

The players

Kenni Burns

Former head football coach at Kent State University who was fired in April 2025 and is now suing the school for wrongful termination, breach of contract, and defamation.

Kent State University

The public university in Kent, Ohio where Kenni Burns was the head football coach until his firing in 2025.

David Ochmann

Kent State's deputy general counsel who allegedly called Burns' attorney and asked if Burns would accept money to "quietly walk away" before the university proceeded with a potential for-cause termination.

Todd Diacon

The president of Kent State University, named as a defendant in Burns' lawsuit.

Mark Polatajko

Kent State's senior vice president for finance and administration, named as a defendant in Burns' lawsuit.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Upon information and belief, the 'error' in the First Amendment allowed Kent State's plan to wrongfully terminate Kenni Burns' to move forward, saving the University money by not having to comply with the buy-out terms of Kenni Burns' original contract.”

— Kenni Burns, Former Head Football Coach

What’s next

The lawsuit filed by Kenni Burns against Kent State University and several officials is currently pending. The outcome of the case will determine if Burns was wrongfully terminated and whether the university is liable for breach of contract and defamation.

The takeaway

This case highlights the complex legal and financial relationships between college coaches, their employers, and boosters, and the potential for disputes over contract terms, disciplinary actions, and allegations of misconduct. It also raises questions about transparency and fairness in university decision-making processes for high-profile employees.