KENT, Ohio – Interim head coach Mark Carney has elevated Cherokee Valeria as the Flashes' new defensive coordinator and safeties coach after spending the spring as the defensive backs coach.
Veteran collegiate assistant Cherokee Valeria was hired as Kent State's defensive backs coach in February 2025 following a standout run at Sacramento State, where he served as defensive passing game coordinator from 2019 to 2024.
Valeria made an immediate impact during his first season at Sacramento State, helping the Hornets lead the Big Sky in defensive pass efficiency and red zone defense.