Coach Dean Pees leaving Kent State for NFL

KENT, Ohio, Feb. 26 (UPI) -- Dean Pees has resigned as head football coach at Kent State to become linebackers coach with the New England Patriots in the NFL.

Pees has been at Kent State six seasons. His teams had an overall record of 17-51.

"This was the longest tenure I have had at any one institution and it was a really difficult decision to leave a place we call home," Pees said Wednesday. "At the same time, I feel this is a great opportunity with a great organization and it will give me a chance to grow professionally."

Pees was in college coaching for nearly a quarter-century.

Prior to Kent State, he was defensive coordinator at Michigan State and Toledo and an assistant coach with Navy and Notre Dame.