DeMarkco Butler is leaving Kent State after one season to become chief of staff for Arkansas State Football, sources tell FootballScoop. 

Butler joined the Golden Flashes on Aug. 28, 2025, as assistant general manager and director of player personnel under then-interim head coach Mark Carney. In that role, he oversaw key aspects of football operations and player personnel management for a Kent State program that competed in the Mid-American Conference. His arrival came as the Flashes looked to stabilize and build infrastructure following coaching transitions.

A veteran of college football operations, Butler most recently served as assistant athletic director for football operations and player personnel at the University of Central Missouri, a role he held since joining the Mules in 2022. There, he managed day-to-day program logistics, player personnel duties, and acted as a liaison between the football team and university departments and external partners. His experience also includes director of football operations positions at Western Illinois University and a brief stint at Baylor University earlier in his career.

Butler played college football at Monmouth College (Ill.), earning his bachelor’s degree in communications and business with a minor in Spanish in 2010. He went on to earn a master’s degree in sport management from Western Illinois in 2016, where he began his administrative career as a graduate assistant in facilities, events, and game-day operations before advancing to an operations assistant role from 2014-15.

The move to Arkansas State represents a step up in responsibility and conference profile. As chief of staff under head coach Butch Jones, Butler will support high-level program operations in the Sun Belt Conference, working closely with the head coach on staff coordination, strategic planning, and day-to-day execution. The Red Wolves have been active in reshaping their support staff entering the 2026 season, and Butler’s background in player personnel and operations makes him a natural fit to help provide continuity and efficiency behind the scenes.

Butler’s quick ascent through operations and personnel roles highlights a career built on logistics, recruiting support, travel coordination, and building program infrastructure at multiple levels. His time at Kent State, though brief, added FBS experience to a resume that previously featured strong work at the Division II level.

Arkansas State, coming off recent staff adjustments, now adds a proven operator in Butler as it pushes forward under Jones. Sources tell FootballScoop Butler is on the job and is working with Jones in hiring additional support staff. 

The move continues a trend of experienced operations and personnel specialists moving between Group of Five programs seeking greater stability and support-staff depth. Butler’s track record positions him well to contribute immediately in Jonesboro as the Red Wolves prepare for spring practices and the 2026 campaign.