C.J. Conrad receives coordinator promotion at Kent State

C.J. Conrad was a four-star recruiting win for Kentucky in the class of 2015. The Ohio native played in 49 games at Kentucky from 2015-18 earning 42 starting assignments and finished his playing career with 80 receptions for 1,015 yards and 12 touchdowns. However, the All-SEC selection in 2017 had a very short pro football journey and quickly pivoted to coaching.

The 29-year-old is continues to rise through the coaching ranks.

C.J. Conrad left Kentucky following the 2022 season after three years on staff as a graduate assistant and quality control coach. The young coach accepted a job at Eastern Kentucky in 2023 before moving to Kent State in 2024. After just one season in the MAC, Conrad received a promotion before he begins year two with the Golden Flashes.

CJ Conrad Elevated to Special Teams Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach

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— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) August 21, 2025

Kent State fired head coach Kenni Burns on April 11 for violations of contract after an investigation revealed multiple university violations. Burns was sued by Hometown Bank for $23,852.09 plus interest in unpaid credit card purchases. Burns did not make minimum monthly payments on the card and was 60 days past due in August. That led to offensive coordinator Mark Carney receiving a promotion to interim head coach during spring practice.

C.J. Conrad remained on staff after this unexpected development. Kent State has posted a 1-23 record since head coach Sean Lewis left to become the Colorado offensive coordinator in 2023 before becoming the head coach at San Diego State in 2024. A coaching search is likely on the way but this season will give Conrad a chance to add some coordinator experience to add to his resume.

The Golden Flashes open the season with FCS Merrimack before power conference road games against Texas Tech, Florida State, and Oklahoma. Kentucky will host Kent State in 2026. If Conrad remains on staff, the former multi-year starter at tight end in Lexington will get to coach against his alma mater next fall.