Central Michigan Hires Army's Matt Drinkall as New Head Coach

Central Michigan appoints Army's Matt Drinkall as head coach, succeeding Jim McElwain. Offense transformation and leadership highlighted.

Central Michigan Hires Army's Matt Drinkall as New Head Coach

Central Michigan University has officially named Matt Drinkall, formerly the offensive line coach at Army West Point, as the new head coach of its football program. This decision comes following the retirement of Jim McElwain, who had a six-year tenure with the Chippewas.

A Fluctuating Coaching Landscape

Jim McElwain’s departure—marked by a 33-36 overall record and three consecutive losing seasons—prompted Central Michigan's search for a fresh leader. With Drinkall at the helm, the program looks to revitalize its performance, especially after reaching the MAC championship game in 2021. The challenge ahead is significant, yet Drinkall carries a reputation of success from previous roles.

Matt Drinkall: A Brief Background

Drinkall hails from Bettendorf, Iowa, and is an alumnus of the University of Iowa. His coaching career is extensive, showcasing his ability to develop effective offensive strategies. Before joining Army in 2019, Drinkall also made his mark at Kansas Wesleyan University as the head coach, where he led the team to 40 wins in four seasons and was instrumental in their conference championship. His coaching philosophy emphasizes a combination of leadership and innovative tactics—qualities that Central Michigan's athletic director Amy Folan highly values.

Accomplishments at Army

During his time at Army, Drinkall made significant contributions to the offensive coaching staff, most notably as co-offensive coordinator in 2023. Under his guidance, Army transitioned from a traditional flexbone offense to a power-run option attack, which proved highly effective. In the recent season, Army’s offense ranked 7th nationally, averaging 208 rushing yards per game. The team's competitive edge has been accentuated by their strong performances, including an 11-1 record this season and winning the AAC Championship.

Before his role as offensive line coach, Drinkall was involved in various capacities including coaching tight ends and quarterbacks, showcasing his versatility and deep understanding of football.