Josh Cribbs to join Kent State coaching staff as special teams analyst

A former #MACtion legend has returned home for the next chapter of his career.

Kent State Athletics announced on Wednesday morning the hiring of former Flashes QB Josh Cribbs, a Kent State Hall of Fame athlete, as the team's new special teams coordinator.

“Over the past year, I’ve had the chance to get to know Coach Josh Cribbs and have been blown away by his desire to share his wealth of knowledge built from his outstanding playing career here at Kent State and in the NFL with the Cleveland Browns,” Kent State head coach Mark Carney said via press release. “His pride in our university and his experience here as a student-athlete is apparent in every conversation we’ve had. I’m excited to welcome him and his family back to the university as our new special teams analyst, and I am certain this is a sign of the exciting times ahead for us here at Kent State!”

Cribbs set multiple programs records as a Flash which still stand today, including rushing touchdowns (38) and passing touchdowns (41). Prior to his departure, Cribbs also set all-time marks in passing completions (616), attempts (1,123), yards (7,169), and total points scored (246). Cribbs is also the only quarterback in NCAA history to ever lead his team in both passing and rushing over four different seasons, and one of four NCAA quarterbacks to ever run for 3,500 yards and pass for 7,000+ yards over his career.

His #9 jersey is one of a handful retired by the Golden Flashes.

Cribbs made his reputation at the NFL level as a kick returner, converting to receiver upon joining the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent in 2005. His impact was immediate, and by the time he retired, Cribbs set all-time Browns records for Cleveland's all-time marks for career kickoff return yards (10,015), combined kickoff and punt return yards (12,169), all-purpose yards (14,065), most kickoff return yards in a single season (1,809 in 2007), most kickoff return touchdowns in a single season (three in 2009), and most all-purpose yards in a single season (2,510 in 2009)– all of which still stand today.

Cribbs, who scored eight return touchdowns overall, was a three-time Pro Bowler (2207, 2009, 2012) and a first-team All-Pro returner (2009.)

Since retirement from the NFL following the 2014 season, Cribbs has been in the radio broadcasting business, hosting multiple podcasts in the Cleveland area, including the Big Dawg Podcast centered on Browns football and a lifestyle podcast called The Return with his wife Maria.

Cribbs has been an active proponent of Kent State, often engaging with fans about the state of the program, and visiting campus to talk to student-athletes and support KSU football. During KSU's tumultuous 2024 season, Cribbs' name was floated as a potential solution by fans, with Cribbs addressing the campaign on Twitter.

Cribbs will have an intriguing special teams group to work with, as first-team all-MAC returner Da'Realyst Clark and Wayne Harris both return to the roster.

Cribbs is one of two new hires to the KSU staff, as the university also announced the hiring of Dave Bucar as the new tight ends coach on Wednesday morning.

Kent State's 2026 season is set to begin on Sept. 5 on the road against South Carolina.