Kent State Hopes to Fill Hazell's Spot by End of Year

The search is underway to find Darrell Hazell's replacement as the head coach of the Kent State football team.

Athletic Director Joel Nielson has already begun the search and wants to have the spot filled over the next two to three weeks, according to Aaron Chimenti, spokesman for the football team.

"There is great coaching talent out there - like Darrell - seeking an opportunity to demonstrate their capabilities," Nielsen said in press release Wednesday. "Our search will be both thorough and quick - and mirror the search we did that resulted in Darrell joining Kent State two years ago."

Hazell announced Wednesday morning that he accepted the head coaching position at Purdue University.

Hazell, who led the Kent State Golden Flashes (11-2, 8-0 MAC) to their first bowl game appearance this year in more than 40 years, had been rumored to be a candidate in several head coaching jobs across the country.

This year Hazell led the the Flashes through a dream season that will culminate with their appearance in the GoDaddy.com Bowl Jan. 6.

He said Purdue athletic officials have granted him permission to coach Kent State in the GoDaddy.com Bowl.

Read more: 

• Hazell to Purdue: Fans Disappointed but Not Surprised by Departure
• Report: Hazell Leaving Kent State for Purdue Job
• Dream Season for Golden Flashes to Culminate at GoDaddy.com Bowl