Paul Haynes introduced at Kent State, as No. 25 Golden Flashes prepare for bowl game

KENT, Ohio – Paul Haynes has been formally announced as Kent State's new coach.

Haynes, introduced Tuesday by athletic director Joel Nielsen, replaces Darrell Hazell, who led the Golden Flashes to an 11-2 season. Haynes last was the defensive coordinator at Arkansas.

Hazell became Purdue's coach Dec. 5 after guiding No. 25 Kent State to its first bowl berth in 40 years. He will coach Kent State against Arkansas State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl Jan. 5.

Haynes, 49, who played at Kent State (1987-91), met with the team before the press conference. He was on Jim Tressel's staff for seven years at Ohio State and was also an assistant at Michigan State, Louisville, Northern Iowa, Ferris State and Bowling Green.