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The New Fire: Meet Matt Drinkall And Central Michigan University's Revamped 2025 Football Coaching Staff

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The Central Michigan University (CMU) football program entered a thrilling new chapter for the 2025 season, marked by a complete overhaul of the coaching staff following the retirement of veteran coach Jim McElwain. This transition introduced Matt Drinkall as the 30th head football coach, bringing a fresh, high-energy approach from his successful background at Army West Point and Kansas Wesleyan. The Chippewas are now focused on building a new identity within the Mid-American Conference (MAC) under Drinkall’s leadership, a move that signals a significant commitment to innovative offense and disciplined football. As of late 2025, the new coaching regime has taken full shape, instilling a renewed sense of optimism around Kelly/Shorts Stadium. The staff is a mix of experienced coordinators and rising stars, hand-picked by Coach Drinkall to maximize the potential of the *Chippewa football program*. This article provides the definitive, up-to-date look at the entire Central Michigan University football coaching staff, detailing the key figures leading the team into its next era of MAC competition.

Matt Drinkall: The 30th Head Coach of CMU Football

The hiring of Matt Drinkall in December 2024 was a major statement by CMU Athletics, signalling a desire to inject new energy and a proven track record of offensive innovation into the program. Drinkall quickly made his presence felt, guiding the team to a bowl appearance in his inaugural 2025 season, a remarkable feat that immediately validated the university's decision. His profile is one of rapid ascent, combining small-college head coaching success with high-level FBS experience.
  • Full Name: Matt Drinkall
  • Born: November 8, 1982
  • Current Position: Head Football Coach, Central Michigan University (CMU)
  • CMU Tenure: 2025–Present (30th Head Coach in Program History)
  • Previous FBS Role: Offensive Line Coach and Co-Offensive Coordinator, Army West Point (2020–2024)
  • Head Coaching History: Head Football Coach, Kansas Wesleyan University (NAIA)
  • Notable Achievement at CMU: Led the team to a bowl appearance (GameAbove Bowl) in his first season (2025).
  • Coaching Philosophy: Known for developing a physical, disciplined offensive line and a highly efficient rushing attack, a style he aims to bring to the *MAC landscape*.
Drinkall’s transition to the *Mount Pleasant, Michigan* campus brings a wealth of tactical knowledge, particularly in developing a dominant ground game, which was a hallmark of his time at Army. His ability to hit the ground running and secure a bowl bid—regardless of the 2-9 regular season record—demonstrates a knack for maximizing performance in high-pressure situations, setting a positive tone for the future of *Chippewa football*.

The New Era: Central Michigan's 2025 Coordinator Staff

The success of any new head coach hinges on the strength and synergy of his coordinator staff. Coach Drinkall assembled a diverse and highly regarded group of assistant coaches, focusing on bringing in talent with specific expertise to execute his vision for the program. The new staff features a blend of offensive firepower and defensive discipline, essential components for competing for a MAC Championship.

Offensive Leadership: Jim Chapin and Derek Fulton

The Chippewas’ offensive strategy is now overseen by a dynamic duo. Jim Chapin was named the Offensive Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach, bringing 17 years of collegiate coaching experience to the role. Chapin's primary responsibility is to develop the passing game and the quarterback room, a critical area for success in the FBS. Working alongside him is Derek Fulton, who serves as the Co-Offensive Coordinator and Tight Ends Coach. Fulton's appointment ensures a cohesive offensive message, focusing particularly on the tight ends, which are often key components in a balanced attack. The combined expertise of Chapin and Fulton is expected to produce a high-tempo, balanced offensive unit that can challenge the best defenses in the MAC.

Defensive and Special Teams Anchors

On the defensive side of the ball, the Chippewas turned to Sean Cronin, naming him the Defensive Coordinator and Linebackers Coach. Cronin is tasked with fortifying the CMU defense, focusing on creating a hard-hitting, aggressive unit that can generate turnovers and pressure opposing quarterbacks. The linebacker corps, under Cronin’s direct guidance, will be the heart of this defensive transformation. A key continuity move for the program was the retention of Keith Murphy as the Special Teams Coordinator. Murphy, who was a fixture on the previous staff, has a proven track record of success in managing the critical aspects of special teams, including the development of All-MAC caliber players like placekicker Tristan Mattson. Retaining his expertise ensures stability and a high-performing third phase of the game, a vital element in close MAC matchups.

CMU Coaching Staff: Position Coaches and Program Entities

The depth of the coaching staff extends beyond the coordinators, with several key position coaches and support personnel playing crucial roles in the day-to-day operations and player development. These individuals are essential to maintaining the high standards of the *Central Michigan Chippewas* program.
  • Safeties Coach: Wes Fleming
  • Defensive Line Coach: Tesfa Smith
  • Director of External Operations: John Leister
  • Assistant Director of Football Operations: Ashley Jetzer
This complete staff structure reflects Matt Drinkall's commitment to a holistic approach to coaching, covering every facet of the game from offensive line technique to player support and external relations. The focus on specific position coaching, such as Tesfa Smith with the defensive line, highlights the dedication to developing individual talent within the *CMU football program*.

A Look Back: The Legacy of Jim McElwain and CMU Football History

To fully appreciate the new era, it is important to acknowledge the foundation laid by the previous head coach, Jim McElwain. McElwain, a veteran of four decades in coaching, retired after six seasons leading the Chippewas. His tenure included guiding the team to multiple bowl appearances and overseeing significant recruiting classes, providing a solid base for Drinkall to build upon. The *Central Michigan Chippewas* have a rich history in college football, primarily as a fixture in the Mid-American Conference (MAC). Since moving to the FBS Division I level, the program boasts seven conference championships and a strong bowl record, demonstrating a tradition of competitive football. The team’s home, Kelly/Shorts Stadium, remains a formidable venue for opponents, and the *Chippewa nickname* reflects the deep heritage of the region. The transition from a highly experienced coach like McElwain to a rising star like Drinkall is often a pivotal moment for a program. Drinkall is now tasked with leveraging the program's history and the talent developed under the previous staff to elevate CMU to consistent MAC contention. The early success of a bowl bid in 2025 is a promising sign that the new coaching staff is ready to meet that challenge and usher in a new golden age of *Central Michigan football*. The 2026 season and beyond will be the true test of this revamped staff’s ability to sustain success. With a unified vision, strong coordinators like Jim Chapin and Sean Cronin, and the dynamic leadership of Matt Drinkall, the *Central Michigan University football coaches* are poised to make a serious run for a MAC title and establish a dominant presence in the Group of Five conference landscape.
The New Fire: Meet Matt Drinkall and Central Michigan University's Revamped 2025 Football Coaching Staff
central michigan university football coaches
central michigan university football coaches

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