Paul Haynes Named Kent State’s Head Football Coach
KENT– Paul Haynes has been named Kent State University’s new head football coach.
The announcement was made during a press conference Tuesday afternoon.
The one-time Kent State assistant coach spent two seasons in Kent, ‘99 and ‘00 when he was the assistant head coach and led the secondary.
Haynes also spent six seasons as defensive backs’ coach with the Buckeyes, and in 2011 he was the co-defensive coordinator and coached the safeties.
Haynes will replace Darrell Hazell who left the University to become the new football coach at Purdue University.
Read the blog below to see what Haynes said during Tuesday’s press conference.
Haynes: (talking about being an alum) It is super special to have had the blood, sweat and tears here.
Haynes: (asking about what Tressel tells him) Just be myself. Go into this thing and be myself.
Haynes: We’re going to give back and pay it forward.
Haynes: We’re going to get out in the community and read to kids, visit hospitals and make sure these kids appreciate what they do and understand it’s a privilege to be a Kent State football player.
Haynes: It’s always been a desirable job to me.. I know there’s a strong foundation here. These kids believe. We’re not going to take shortcuts.
Haynes: Second thing is, getting the staff together.
Haynes (talking about biggest challenge): I’m all about building relationships. First and foremost is the time I have to build relationships with these guys.
Haynes: (talking about walk-ons) So many times we get caught up in size and speed. I don’t get caught up in that. I watch the tape. If he can play football and he’s a good kid, we’ll take him.
Haynes: I’m also about character and academics.
Haynes: I’ve had more success with 2-stars, than I have 5-stars. Let’s teach them to be 5-stars.
Haynes: We’ll get into Western PA and Michigan, a bit, too. (talking about looking for athletes)
Haynes: the majority of our team is going to be from Ohio. I know what Ohio high school football is like. It’s one of the best in the country. We’re going to scour Ohio. We’re going to recruit “our kind of guys.”
Haynes: I’ll watch Kent State every week.. I know the names.. I’m a Kent-Stater. I’m just going to let these guys finish this thing out. And, I know they’ll do great.
Haynes: I’m going to work on behind-the-scenes-things for now.
Haynes: (talking about assistant coaches) I will not hire anyone until I talk with this previous staff. I’m going to take my time with it, make sure I get the best staff possible and available.
Haynes: our philosophy works. It’s worked for a lot of time. There aren’t going to be a lot of changes. I have to be who I am, but there aren’t going to be a lot of changes- philosophy-wise.
Haynes: I think right now the key to this program is consistency.
Haynes: I’m going to pick (coaches) brains on what it takes to be successful. I’m going to learn as much as I can.
Haynes: (talking about interview) It was something I wanted so bad. When I was offered the job last night, and got to the hotel, phones start ringing.. we really haven’t a chance to talk about much else. It’s been surreal.. great.
Haynes: we will face adversity. We’re going to challenge it and come together.
Haynes: I was always taught to face adversity. You have to teach kids how to deal with adversity, just like success.
Haynes: (holding up jersey) This was my number- number 20..
Haynes: (talking about scholarship offers) I came in as a preferred walk on. A couple guys got hurt and I ended up starting first game my freshman year. I was offered a scholarship.
Haynes: we have a privilege to wear these colors and this uniform and our guys are going to understand that.
Haynes: I’m all about building men and building relationships. If I build a great man, I’ll put a great product on the field.
Haynes: It’s going to take me a while to grasp that I’m the head football coach. It’s been a dream of mine.
Haynes: we’re going to focus on what got us on top. We’re going to focus on the little things.
Haynes: I’m trying not to get emotional.. I don’t want my wife to see me cry (laughing)
Haynes: I’m super excited about being the head coach at Kent State
Haynes: I want to graduate all players with a degree from Kent State. I want to win. I want this football program to be a positive impact. (talking about his 3 goals)
Haynes: we will continue to build on that foundation. It’s not about me. This football program.. we’ll do this all together. When we win, we ALL win.
Haynes: to coach Hazell- the job you’ve done is unbelievable.. really laid foundation of success
Haynes: to the past players here today.. I love you guys
Haynes: I have a lot of coaches.. first and foremost Jim Tressel, he’s the first person I call (when I have a decision to make)
Haynes: I’d also like to thank my parents.. my sisters.. for all their support.. my wife’s parents.
Haynes: we have 3 kids. They are super excited. They love Ohio and can’t wait to get back.
Haynes: I want to thank my wife. These coaches’ wives go through a lot. They do so much for us.
Haynes: thank you for the opportunity to be the head coach. I am so proud.. I just met with a great group of young men, and a I got emotional. I love this place. I love Kent State.
Haynes: I have so many people to thank
Paul Haynes (new Kent State head football coach): It’s been a whirlwind
“Paul Haynes is a strong family man, a man of faith and a person who cares about others.. he’ll keep Kent State football on the map.. and a proud Kent State alum.”
Kent State: coaches around the country took notice of this program.
“We’re here to make an announcement about someone who will make a great successor to darrell”
Haynes: people all over the country are proud to wear their Kent State stuff with pride.