Kent State alumni and former defensive back (1987-1991) Paul Haynes is returning to campus, but this time he will be setting the depth chart instead of appearing on it. Haynes will be entering his first season as a head coach, although, he has been a defensive coordinator and/or defensive backs coach since 1995, excluding the 1997 season in which he was a running backs coach.

Recruiting

Last year, the Golden Flashes won eleven games after only winning five each of the past two seasons. If Haynes plans to uphold such success, he needs to build a talented team to work with. In the past three recruiting classes, Kent State has only brought in a total of ten three-star recruits with no four or five-star recruits. Haynes must improve the amount of talented recruits that enter the program. The team is currently being greatly elevated by star running back Dri Archer, but he will be a senior this season and without him, the team may fall flat. There is certainly pressure for Haynes to recruit better than the school has in the past.

Improving the Pass Game

Part of the problem was lack of talent, but Kent State must improve their passing game on both sides of the ball. The Golden Flashes finished 114th in offensive passing yards per game and were 108th in passing yards allowed. As a former defensive back coach with experience as a defensive coordinator, Haynes may be able to elevate his team’s pass defense simply with his knowledge of the game and the insight he can provide. In terms of quarterback play, freshmen Kris White and Nathan Strock could be coached up and improve the offense after senior David Fisher graduates.

Win Crucial Games

Like all great coaches must do, Haynes will have to come out victorious in high stakes match ups. If the opportunity to gain exposure and respect through a big win arises, he must attack with everything he has. In 2012, then head coach Darrell Hazell lost both the conference championship and the bowl game, both by seven points or less. With a fair chance to get back in that position, it will give Haynes a chance to prove his worth and boost the attention that the school receives, possibly drawing recruits in.