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Kennesaw State head football coach claims he was fired after 10 seasons

By FOX 5 Atlanta Digital Team
Updated  November 10, 2024 11:06pm EST
Kennesaw State Owls
FOX 5 Atlanta

KSU head football coach says he was fired

Despite a statement released by Kennesaw State University's Football Department claiming Head Coach Brian Bohannon "stepped down" from his position after 10 seasons, the former coach claims he was actually fired.

The Brief

    • Brian Bohannon claims he did not resign as head football coach of Kennesaw State University after 11 years, despite a statement the university put out over the weekend.
    • In the statement, KSU's director of athletics, Milton Overton, says Bohannon stepped down.
    • Co-Offensive Coordinator Chandler Burks, a key figure in KSU's football history and a soon-to-be Hall of Fame inductee, will serve as the interim head coach.
    • A nationwide search has been launched to find a new head coach as the university continues to support its student-athletes through the transition with two more home games left in the season.

KENNESAW, Ga. - In a significant shift for Kennesaw State University's football program, Head Coach Brian Bohannon has been removed from his position. The university's director of athletics, Milton Overton, shared an announcement over the weekend claiming that Bohannon stepped down. But the former coach said he was fired.

Bohannon worked with the team for 11 years. In a post on X, Bohannon said he was informed by Overton that the university would be "making a change in leadership."

SAN ANTONIO, TX - AUGUST 31: Kennesaw State Owls head coach Brian Bohannon yells at an official during game between the Kennesaw State Owls and the University of Texas - San Antonio Roadrunners on August 31, 2024 at the Alamodome in San Antonio, TX.

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Later that day, an article published by Kennesaw State Football Director of Football Communications Andrew Clausen stated it was Bohannon's own decision.

"Contrary to what’s been reported, I want to be clear that I did not step down from my position as head football coach at Kennesaw State University," Bohannon tweeted. "Since we started the football program, I have had the pleasure of coaching and working alongside so many great people. I appreciate your hard work and dedication to this program."

Brian Bohannon's coaching record at KSU

Bohannon is credited with the rapid growth of the KSU Owls, making them a force to be reckoned with in collegiate football. In just five years under his tutelage, the Owls became one of the most successful startup teams in the Football Championships Subdivision's history.

The team continued to soar, transitioning to the Football Bowl Subdivision, and this season, to Conference USA.

As the team navigates this transitional phase, Co-Offensive Coordinator Chandler Burks is expected to step into the role of interim head coach. Burks is no stranger to the Owls' playbook, having been a key player in the program's development on and off the field. He was named the 2018 FCS National Performer of the Year and runner-up for the Walter Payton Award. This year, KSU will further acknowledge Burks' impact by inducting him into the KSU Athletics Hall of Fame.

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 30: Quarterback Chandler Burks #3 of the Kennesaw State Owls throws a pass in front of linebacker Victor Heyward #37 of the Georgia State Panthers at GA State Stadium on August 30, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Michael Chan

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Overton assured KSU fans and supporters that the focus now turns to the athletes and the remaining season, which includes two more home games.

A nationwide search will begin immediately to find the next head football coach.

The university has not commented yet on Bohannon's claim.