Mike Kent Named Strength Coach for Panthers Football

2/5/2004

Kent trained eight NFL Draft selections at Louisville, including Super Bowl star Deion Branch.

Mike Kent

      University of Pittsburgh head football coach Walt Harris announced today the appointment of Mike Kent to the position of strength and conditioning coach.

      Kent joins the Panthers from the University of Louisville, where he was a key contributor to the Cardinals’ 36-15 record over the last four years and Conference USA championships in 2000 and 2001. At Louisville, he oversaw the physical development of eight NFL Draft selections and helped UL raise its postseason streak to six consecutive bowl games.

      Four Cardinals who trained under Kent were chosen in the 2003 draft, including defensive end Dewayne White (Tampa Bay), quarterback Dave Ragone (Houston), safety Curry Burns (Houston) and cornerback Chris Johnson (Green Bay). Additionally, receiver Deion Branch, who caught 10 passes for 143 yards and a touchdown in New England’s stirring Super Bowl victory over Carolina last weekend, trained under Kent in 2000 and 2001.

      “Mike Kent is a dedicated and energetic professional who will benefit our program immediately,” Harris said. “He is exactly the type of person we need to help us take the next step in the weight room and on the field. Mike has a very progressive mind in the strength training field and I’m looking forward to working with him.”

      “There is a tremendous pride factor at the University of Pittsburgh that was noticeable to me instantly,” Kent said. “I’m excited and honored to be a part of this program. The facilities are absolutely outstanding and the people are even more impressive. I’m looking forward to working with our players and elevating our program to among the elite in college football.”

      Prior to Louisville, the 43-year-old Kent served at Eastern Kentucky University from 1999-2000, overseeing the strength training for the Colonels’ 16 intercollegiate sports. From 1990-98, he served at Appalachian State, serving as strength coordinator for 18 teams and helping the football program earn five NCAA I-AA playoff berths. While at Appalachian State, Kent trained linebacker Dexter Coakley, a multiple All-Pro honoree with the Dallas Cowboys. In 1995, Kent was named the Southern Conference’s Strength Coach of the Year.

      Kent’s coaching career began at NC State, where he was a graduate assistant for two years (1985-86 and ’86-87) working with the defensive line and assisting with the strength program. He additionally was an assistant defensive line coach and headed up strength and conditioning for football at West Virginia’s Shepherd College (1987-88). From 1988-90, Kent was an assistant strength coach at East Carolina.

      Kent earned his bachelor’s degree from Fairmont State (W.Va.) in 1982 and his master’s from NC State in 1987. He is married to the former Deena England.