Kent State promotes assistant coaches Cherokee Valeria, Bart Tanski

KENT — Two Kent State football assistant coaches will assume new titles this season.

The Golden Flashes have promoted defensive coordinator and safeties coach Cherokee Valeria to assistant head coach, according to a social media post on July 31. Cornerbacks coach Bart Tanski also has been elevated to defensive recruiting coordinator.

Valeria is entering his second season on head coach Mark Carney's staff. He was hired as defensive backs coach in the spring of 2025 and was elevated to defensive coordinator and safeties coach in the summer.

Tanski joined Carney's staff as cornerbacks coach in the summer of 2025. He was named Ohio’s Mr. Football in 2007 after he led Mentor to a second straight state championship game appearance.

Former Kent State football player D.J. Miller signs with Buffalo Bills

The Buffalo Bills have signed former Kent State cornerback D.J. Miller

Miller played with the Flashes during the 2022 and 2023 seasons He had 24 tackles, nine pass breakups and three interceptions with the United Football League's Columbus Aviators this year.

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This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Kent State promotes assistant coaches Cherokee Valeria, Bart Tanski