The rumors last week have turned out to be true and Kent State has named its new head coach with the hiring of Sean Lewis to be the 22nd head football coach in program history.

Lewis, 31, is now the youngest coach in Division 1-FBS, he is three years younger than Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma who took over for Bob Stoops upon his sudden retirement.

The former co-offensive coordinator at Syracuse has knowledge of the MAC as he served as Co-OC and QB coach under Dino Babers at Bowling Green before Babers moved on to Syracuse. Lewis knows the region as well as a former player Wisconsin.

"We are thrilled to bring Sean to Kent State," Director of Athletics Joel Nielsen said via press release. "Sean brings an innovative style of football to Kent State with an offensive system that is proven in the MAC. We are confident Sean can build broad support and engagement in our program along with competitive success."

Under Lewis, the Syracuse offense put up 40 or more points in three games and also knocked off College Football Playoff top seeded Clemson.

Offenses have flourished under Lewis at his previous coaching stops and will need to help right the ship for a Kent State team that has been particularly challenged on offense in past seasons.

"Sean is a passionate and principled coach who cares deeply about the student-athletes and their development on and off the football field. In the six years we’ve worked together, he’s proven himself to be a highly skilled position coach and coordinator," Babers said of his former assistant. "I’m excited for him and his family that he’s earned this opportunity. I wish him the best."