Meet Darrell Hazell, Kent State’s
New Head Football Coach

The first minority head coach in the 90-year history of the program, Hazell replaces Doug Martin, who resigned last month following a seven-year stint at the helm of the Flashes.

“I couldn’t be more excited to welcome Darrell to the Kent State family,” Nielsen said. “When you’re looking for a head football coach, it’s not just a matter of if they can coach — it’s important to make sure they are a fit for this program, this campus and this community. I have no doubt in my mind that Darrell is that person.”

Hazell’s base salary will be $300,000 with additional contractual details yet to be worked out.

“I’m proud and excited to be named Kent State’s head football coach,” Hazell said. “I believe this is a tremendous opportunity, and I can’t wait to give the Golden Flashes’ fans the winning program they deserve. Many of the pieces are in place to be successful, and I’m confident that with a lot of hard work, we’ll get it done.”

Hazell, 46, spent the past seven seasons as a member of the Ohio State University coaching staff and boasts 25 years of experience as a coach on the collegiate level. He served as assistant head coach and also coached the Buckeyes’ wide receivers. During his time in Columbus, Hazell developed a number of All-Big Ten players, including six of whom currently play in the NFL.

A native of Cinnaminson, N.J., Hazell joined the Ohio State staff in February 2004 following a three-year stay at Rutgers. He has also coached at West Virginia, Army, Western Michigan, Penn, Eastern Illinois and Oberlin.

After a standout high school career in New Jersey, Hazell enrolled at Muskingum College in the fall of 1982. He moved into the starting lineup at wide receiver as a sophomore and was a regular his last three years, winning all-conference honors all three of those seasons. As a senior, he also earned All-America honors and was selected by his teammates as team captain.

Hazell graduated from Muskingum in 1986 and began his coaching career the following fall as running backs coach at Oberlin College. He was inducted into the Muskingum Hall of Fame in 1993.

Darrell and Annemarie have a son, Kyle. Hazell will be at the Dec. 21 men’s basketball game against Youngstown State in the MAC Center. He will be greeting fans at approximately 6:30 p.m.

The Darrell Hazell File

Birthdate: April 14, 1964
Hometown: Cinnaminson, N.J.
Family: Annemarie; son, Kyle
Alma Mater: Muskingum College, ‘86
B.A. in Speech Communication & Business

Professional Experience