CMU football celebrates hiring of head coach Matt Drinkall
Central Michigan University football head coach Matt Drinkall claps his hands at the “Fired up to be a Chippewa” event on Tuesday, Dec. 10, at the John G. Kulhavi Events Center. (CM-Life | Mark Hoover)
Central Michigan University has officially welcomed Matt Drinkall as its new head football coach. As the previous assistant coach and offensive line coach at Army West Point, he helped lead the team to an 11-1 record and ranked No. 22 in the College Football Rankings.
After Jim McElwain, the previous head coach of the Chippewas, retired after six seasons in November, a search for a new head coach was quickly undertaken.
“I think he checked all the boxes,” athletic director Amy Folan said. “We sat down to interview with him…and we ended up talking for about five hours. He just kind of had the fit, and I just lost track of time.”
Offensive vision
Addressing the media for the first time, Drinkall wasted no time in laying out his plans for the Chippewas’ offense.
He emphasized a “power spread system” modeled after the NFL’s Detroit Lions and San Francisco 49ers, as well as programs like Kansas State.
“We’ll be 85 to 89 percent gun-based with some under-center elements as a package,” Drinkall said. “It’ll be a power run-heavy attack with quarterback run game options and perimeter fast-break plays. We’ll adjust tempo based on opponents—whether it’s a MAC (Mid-American Conference) opponent or Michigan, each game plan will be tailored to give us the best chance to win.”
Drinkall’s systematic approach to building an offense reflects his deep understanding of the game.
“There are three criteria when you build a system,” he noted. “What do you need to do to win at your institution? What does your staff have the knowledge and time to teach? And who are your best players, and what do they do well?”
One of Drinkall’s key philosophies is fostering a culture of physicality and discipline.
“Our identity will be physical,” Drinkall said. “We want a violent, physical brand of football. When coaches watch us on film, I want them to think, ‘I don’t know if our kids can handle this.’”
He also emphasized the importance of holistic development for student-athletes.
“Wins and losses will define my success, but they won’t define our players’ success,” Drinkall said. “We’re building a program where players leave as better husbands, fathers, community members, and employees. We want them to think bigger and achieve more than they ever imagined.”
Transfer portal
In today’s college football landscape, the combination of Name, Image, and Likeness (NIL) deals and the transfer portal presents both challenges and opportunities.
After losing 23 seniors and having previous players enter the transfer portal, the question will remain surrounding the rebuild of the team.
“Any coach who says they fully understand NIL is lying. It’s a bit of a disaster right now, in my opinion,” Drinkall said. “I think there are going to be some strategic things that we do from internal management and alignment that are going to allow the coaches to do three things: coach football, recruit and build the best relationships.
"The only guarantee I’ve made to the players is that our coaches will have the best relationships and culture with them in all of college football.”
However, Drinkall is embracing the opportunity for creativity and adaptability by outlining a strategy focused on allowing football coaches to prioritize coaching, recruiting, and relationship-building while delegating ancillary responsibilities to support staff.
A perfect fit for CMU
Drinkall’s decision to come to CMU was not taken lightly.
“My family and I are very picky,” he admitted. “When we assessed CMU, it felt too good to be true. The geographic recruiting area, the roster, the community, the facilities—everything is here to be successful.”
Drinkall’s background, which includes six years at Army West Point, has prepared him for this opportunity. At Army, he navigated challenges such as transitioning from a flexbone offense to a pro-style system and managing changes in college football rules.
“At West Point, you learn there are no excuses. You just have to find a way to get it done,” he said.
Aspirations
Looking ahead, Drinkall’s goal is to make CMU competitive immediately.
“We’re finding wins and victories in every behavior and action starting today,” he said.
He also noted the unique excitement of the MAC conference, describing it as “one of the strongest brands in college football” with a “fun, all-American college football experience.”
As CMU’s head football coach, Drinkall brings a combination of football expertise, a clear plan and a passion for building meaningful relationships. “This is about more than football,” he concluded. “We’re here to build something special.”
