For those looking for Central Michigan to name a new head coach in short order, you might want to strongly consider not holding your breath.
According to a statement issued by the school, athletic director Dave Heeke will not name a head coach until after the Chippewas’ GMAC Bowl match-up with Troy.
“It is our intention to announce the hiring of a head football coach after the January 6 GMAC Bowl,” Heeke said in a statement. “In this time of panicked coaching changes across the country, we want to provide our student-athletes with stability and certainty. Our focus is on providing our student-athletes and fans with a terrific bowl experience. We have hired a highly respected interim head coach in Steve Stripling and we are committed to the outstanding staff we have in place. During the next few weeks, we will celebrate the accomplishments of this team and the senior class who is participating in its fourth consecutive bowl game.
“We remain solid in our commitment to all of our recruits and we are confident they will remain with us as we do what is best for our student-athletes and the future of our championship caliber football program. They have chosen CMU because of its tradition, history, championship culture, and student-athlete focused mission. That will remain our commitment through this search process.”
Butch Jones was named Cincinnati’s new head coach last Wednesday, forcing CMU to undertake another coaching search.
One of the candidates reportedly on CMU’s radar was taken off the market over the weekend. Interim Cincinnati coach Jeff Quinn, a former assistant with the Chippewas under Brian Kelly, was named as Buffalo’s new coach Sunday afternoon.
Others believed to be on Heeke’s radar include Florida assistants Scott Loeffler and Zach Azzanni.