Football announces Mark Rhea as new defensive head coach

Kent State football coach Doug Martin named Mark Rhea as the team’s new defensive line coach Wednesday.

A Toledo alumnus, Rhea was a four-year defensive starter from 1988-1991.

“We are excited to have Mark join our staff,” Martin said in a press release. “He is not only a great defensive line coach, but someone who has MAC experience and is a Western Ohio native, which will help us in recruiting.”

Rhea spent the past six seasons coaching at Idaho State, guiding four lineman who garnered All-Big Sky honors four straight years. He also coached Division I-AA’s 2003 top defensive player and two-time All-American, Jared Allen.

Before Idaho State, Rhea was a part of the staff at Austin Peay and the United States Coast Guard Academy.

“During his time at both Austin Peay and the Coast Guard Academy, Mark worked with (current Kent State defensive coordinator) Pete Rekstis, so he has a good understanding of our defensive system,” Martin said.

Rhea replaces former defensive coordinator Jon Wauford, who left the Flashes to be defensive coordinator at the University of Findlay.

The Flashes finished the 2005 campaign with a 1-10 overall record, 0-8 in the Mid-American Conference.

– Kali Price