Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan, Drinkall Announces Five Coaching Staff Members
2/5/2025 12:20:00 PM | Football
Co-Offensive Coordinator Tights Ends Coach: Derek FultonOffensive Line Coach: Hayden MaceRunning Backs Coach: Sheldon CroneySafeties Coach: Wes FlemingCornerbacks Coach: Christian Dukes
Head Coach Matt Drinkall has added five new assistant coaches; Offensive additions include Derek Fulton (Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends), Hayden Mace (Offensive Line), and Sheldon Croney (Running Backs); Defensive additions include Wes Fleming (Safeties) and Christian Dukes (Cornerbacks).
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—New Central Michigan Head Football Coach Matt Drinkall has announced the addition of five new assistant coaches, including three on offense and two on defense, on Wednesday afternoon.
On offense, Drinkall has hired Derek Fulton as Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach, Hayden Mace as Offensive Line Coach, and Sheldon Croney as Running Backs Coach. That group will work with Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Jim Chapin. On defense, Drinkall has added Safeties Coach Wes Fleming and Cornerbacks Coach Christian Dukes. Those two will work with Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Sean Cronin.
Central Michigan will announce additional coaching staff and support staff members in the coming days.
"Overall, our coaches are the perfect blend of youth, energy, and expertise," Drinkall said. "These are not just skilled professionals; they are incredible people with strong morals and values who embody the blue-collar, hardworking spirit of the Midwest and the people of Michigan. Their ties to this region run deep, and their commitment to work ethic, toughness, and serving others is second to none. Most importantly, they understand the importance of developing people for long term, sustained, success in life. More than that, they understand that football is about relationships: building trust with our players, families, and the community. This staff is invested in making our program something special, and we are honored to serve and develop our student-athletes."
OFFENSIVE STAFF ADDITIONS
As the Chippewas' co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach, Fulton begins his first year at Central Michigan after spending the last six seasons as the offensive coordinator at his alma mater NAIA Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa (2019-24). In his six years on the coaching staff at Grand View, Fulton helped guide the Vikings to a 72-5 overall record, while four of his players earned NAIA All-America honors, six were named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year, and one earned the NAIA Player of the Year award. A two-time Heart of America Athletic Conference Assistant Coach of the Year, Fulton was a four-year starter at quarterback and led Grand View to a combined 41-6 record and 2013 NAIA national title. Read more about Fulton at this link.
"I've had the privilege of knowing Derek Fulton for over 10 years, dating back to when he was in high school, and it's been incredible to watch his journey in this game," Drinkall said. "As a player, he won a national championship, and just last year, he led his alma mater to an undefeated national Championship as their Offensive Coordinator. He's built an impeccable reputation in the Midwest as both an elite recruiter and one of the brightest minds in college football. What sets him apart, though, is his humility, relentless work ethic, and passion for the game—he's a true football junkie who has excelled at the highest levels in everything he's done. Coach Fulton brings a wide range of offensive experience, and his approach aligns perfectly with my vision for what we want to accomplish. He understands the importance of developing players, building relationships, and creating a culture of excellence."
With eight combined years of college coaching experience, Mace joins the Central Michigan football program as its new offensive line coach after he previously worked with Chapin as the run game coordinator/offensive line coach at Eastern Washington (2023-24). In 2024, Eastern Washington ranked among the nation's top-10 in nine offensive statistical categories and set three school records. The Bend, Oregon native has also served stints as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Sioux Falls University (2020-21), graduate assistant at Utah State (2019) and quality control coach at Eastern Washington (2017-18). Read more about Mace at this link.
"Hayden Mace brings a wealth of experience from a variety of levels, and one of the things that makes him so valuable is the range of responsibilities he's had throughout his career," Drinkall said. "Everywhere he's been, he's made an impact, consistently earning promotions and continuing to rise as one of the brightest young stars in the offensive line world. Coach Mace has previous ties to the Midwest and has worked with our Offensive Coordinator at two different stops, which makes him a perfect fit schematically and culturally. The first thing you notice about him is how intelligent he is—he has a sharp, analytical mind and an ability to adapt that sets him apart. Having had a successful career in the business world before coaching, he brings a unique perspective and a calm, cerebral leadership style that resonates with players and staff alike. Coach Mace is already making a tremendous impact on our offensive line and our program as a whole. I'm thrilled to have him on board as we continue to grow and develop."
As the Chippewas' running backs coach, Croney begins his first year at CMU after working the previous two seasons as an Offensive Graduate Assistant working primarily with the running backs at his alma mater Iowa State, where he led the Cyclones to back-to-back bowl game appearances. As a player at Iowa State, the Bakersfield, Calif. native earned four letters at running back while helping the Cyclones appear in three bowl games. Read more about Croney at this link.
"Sheldon Croney brings an incredible mix of playing and coaching experience at the highest levels, having been a player and a coach at Iowa State," Drinkall said. "His work with the running backs during Iowa State's historic 2024 season speaks volumes about his ability to develop talent and maximize a group's potential. Coach Croney's success mentoring young players highlights his ability to connect with athletes and help them achieve greatness. He is a high-character individual with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the game. He has a reputation as an elite recruiter because he is such a sincere and intelligent person. He is a California native who has had nothing but success in the heartland. Coach Croney is a perfect fit for our program's culture of toughness, discipline, and resiliency. We're excited to have him help us build something special here at Central Michigan."
DEFENSIVE STAFF ADDITIONS
As the Chippewas' safeties coach, Fleming and Drinkall have worked together on two different staffs at Army West Point and Kansas Wesleyan. He served the last two seasons as the quality control coach specializing in working with defensive backs at Cincinnati (2023 and 2024). In 2021, Fleming worked with Drinkall on the Army coaching staff as he helped guide the Cadets to a nine-win season and Armed Forces Bowl victory over Missouri. Fleming has also worked in previous roles at Nebraska (2022), Midland University (Neb.) (2019-20), and Saint Ambrose (2015). He and Drinkall also worked at Kansas Wesleyan for five years from 2016-20, where they helped build a championship program. Read more about Fleming at this link.
"I'm beyond excited to bring Wes Fleming onto our staff," Drinkall said. "I've known Coach Fleming since his high school days when I recruited him to St. Ambrose University. From the start, it was clear he had an exceptional mind for the game. Supplementing his intelligence, he has developed a calm, collected leadership style that resonates with players. I cannot tell you how many times I have personally witnessed his ability to solve problems, connect with people, and lead effectively. Coach Fleming has showcased the rare ability as someone who seamlessly moves between offense and defense, achieving extraordinary success on both sides of the ball. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, he will be a tremendous asset as a recruiter in the Chicagoland area. He's a tireless worker, a natural leader, and a great role model for our players. I couldn't be more proud to have him on board."
With nine years of coaching experience, Dukes joins the Central Michigan coaching staff as cornerbacks coach after serving the last three seasons at Youngstown State (2022-24) as cornerbacks coach/recruiting coordinator. Dukes has spent his entire career coaching and recruiting in the Midwest as he served stints at Tiffin (2020-21 and 2017-18), North Park (2019) and in Cincinnati high schools. A native of Cincinnati, Dukes is no stranger to the MAC as he is a 2015 graduate of Toledo, where he helped guide the Rockets to four bowl game appearances and earned All-MAC honors at cornerback. Read more about Dukes at this link.
"I am honored to welcome Christian Dukes to Central Michigan," Drinkall said. "With deep ties to the Midwest, Ohio, and the MAC, Coach Duke's knowledge of this region and its recruiting landscape is invaluable. He's a positive, energetic, and passionate leader who serves as an incredible role model for our players. Coach Dukes is an outstanding coach who has proven his ability to develop talent and build elite defensive units. Every stop of his career he continues to highlight his ability to elevate any program he's a part of. What sets Coach Dukes apart is his sincerity and dedication to his players. He's a tremendous mentor and an exceptional person and has an incredibly bright future in this profession. We are lucky to have him in Mount Pleasant."
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On offense, Drinkall has hired Derek Fulton as Co-Offensive Coordinator/Tight Ends Coach, Hayden Mace as Offensive Line Coach, and Sheldon Croney as Running Backs Coach. That group will work with Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach Jim Chapin. On defense, Drinkall has added Safeties Coach Wes Fleming and Cornerbacks Coach Christian Dukes. Those two will work with Defensive Coordinator/Linebackers Coach Sean Cronin.
Central Michigan will announce additional coaching staff and support staff members in the coming days.
"Overall, our coaches are the perfect blend of youth, energy, and expertise," Drinkall said. "These are not just skilled professionals; they are incredible people with strong morals and values who embody the blue-collar, hardworking spirit of the Midwest and the people of Michigan. Their ties to this region run deep, and their commitment to work ethic, toughness, and serving others is second to none. Most importantly, they understand the importance of developing people for long term, sustained, success in life. More than that, they understand that football is about relationships: building trust with our players, families, and the community. This staff is invested in making our program something special, and we are honored to serve and develop our student-athletes."
OFFENSIVE STAFF ADDITIONS
As the Chippewas' co-offensive coordinator/tight ends coach, Fulton begins his first year at Central Michigan after spending the last six seasons as the offensive coordinator at his alma mater NAIA Grand View University in Des Moines, Iowa (2019-24). In his six years on the coaching staff at Grand View, Fulton helped guide the Vikings to a 72-5 overall record, while four of his players earned NAIA All-America honors, six were named the conference's Offensive Player of the Year, and one earned the NAIA Player of the Year award. A two-time Heart of America Athletic Conference Assistant Coach of the Year, Fulton was a four-year starter at quarterback and led Grand View to a combined 41-6 record and 2013 NAIA national title. Read more about Fulton at this link.
"I've had the privilege of knowing Derek Fulton for over 10 years, dating back to when he was in high school, and it's been incredible to watch his journey in this game," Drinkall said. "As a player, he won a national championship, and just last year, he led his alma mater to an undefeated national Championship as their Offensive Coordinator. He's built an impeccable reputation in the Midwest as both an elite recruiter and one of the brightest minds in college football. What sets him apart, though, is his humility, relentless work ethic, and passion for the game—he's a true football junkie who has excelled at the highest levels in everything he's done. Coach Fulton brings a wide range of offensive experience, and his approach aligns perfectly with my vision for what we want to accomplish. He understands the importance of developing players, building relationships, and creating a culture of excellence."
With eight combined years of college coaching experience, Mace joins the Central Michigan football program as its new offensive line coach after he previously worked with Chapin as the run game coordinator/offensive line coach at Eastern Washington (2023-24). In 2024, Eastern Washington ranked among the nation's top-10 in nine offensive statistical categories and set three school records. The Bend, Oregon native has also served stints as the offensive coordinator/offensive line coach at Sioux Falls University (2020-21), graduate assistant at Utah State (2019) and quality control coach at Eastern Washington (2017-18). Read more about Mace at this link.
"Hayden Mace brings a wealth of experience from a variety of levels, and one of the things that makes him so valuable is the range of responsibilities he's had throughout his career," Drinkall said. "Everywhere he's been, he's made an impact, consistently earning promotions and continuing to rise as one of the brightest young stars in the offensive line world. Coach Mace has previous ties to the Midwest and has worked with our Offensive Coordinator at two different stops, which makes him a perfect fit schematically and culturally. The first thing you notice about him is how intelligent he is—he has a sharp, analytical mind and an ability to adapt that sets him apart. Having had a successful career in the business world before coaching, he brings a unique perspective and a calm, cerebral leadership style that resonates with players and staff alike. Coach Mace is already making a tremendous impact on our offensive line and our program as a whole. I'm thrilled to have him on board as we continue to grow and develop."
As the Chippewas' running backs coach, Croney begins his first year at CMU after working the previous two seasons as an Offensive Graduate Assistant working primarily with the running backs at his alma mater Iowa State, where he led the Cyclones to back-to-back bowl game appearances. As a player at Iowa State, the Bakersfield, Calif. native earned four letters at running back while helping the Cyclones appear in three bowl games. Read more about Croney at this link.
"Sheldon Croney brings an incredible mix of playing and coaching experience at the highest levels, having been a player and a coach at Iowa State," Drinkall said. "His work with the running backs during Iowa State's historic 2024 season speaks volumes about his ability to develop talent and maximize a group's potential. Coach Croney's success mentoring young players highlights his ability to connect with athletes and help them achieve greatness. He is a high-character individual with a strong work ethic and a deep understanding of the game. He has a reputation as an elite recruiter because he is such a sincere and intelligent person. He is a California native who has had nothing but success in the heartland. Coach Croney is a perfect fit for our program's culture of toughness, discipline, and resiliency. We're excited to have him help us build something special here at Central Michigan."
DEFENSIVE STAFF ADDITIONS
As the Chippewas' safeties coach, Fleming and Drinkall have worked together on two different staffs at Army West Point and Kansas Wesleyan. He served the last two seasons as the quality control coach specializing in working with defensive backs at Cincinnati (2023 and 2024). In 2021, Fleming worked with Drinkall on the Army coaching staff as he helped guide the Cadets to a nine-win season and Armed Forces Bowl victory over Missouri. Fleming has also worked in previous roles at Nebraska (2022), Midland University (Neb.) (2019-20), and Saint Ambrose (2015). He and Drinkall also worked at Kansas Wesleyan for five years from 2016-20, where they helped build a championship program. Read more about Fleming at this link.
"I'm beyond excited to bring Wes Fleming onto our staff," Drinkall said. "I've known Coach Fleming since his high school days when I recruited him to St. Ambrose University. From the start, it was clear he had an exceptional mind for the game. Supplementing his intelligence, he has developed a calm, collected leadership style that resonates with players. I cannot tell you how many times I have personally witnessed his ability to solve problems, connect with people, and lead effectively. Coach Fleming has showcased the rare ability as someone who seamlessly moves between offense and defense, achieving extraordinary success on both sides of the ball. Growing up on the south side of Chicago, he will be a tremendous asset as a recruiter in the Chicagoland area. He's a tireless worker, a natural leader, and a great role model for our players. I couldn't be more proud to have him on board."
With nine years of coaching experience, Dukes joins the Central Michigan coaching staff as cornerbacks coach after serving the last three seasons at Youngstown State (2022-24) as cornerbacks coach/recruiting coordinator. Dukes has spent his entire career coaching and recruiting in the Midwest as he served stints at Tiffin (2020-21 and 2017-18), North Park (2019) and in Cincinnati high schools. A native of Cincinnati, Dukes is no stranger to the MAC as he is a 2015 graduate of Toledo, where he helped guide the Rockets to four bowl game appearances and earned All-MAC honors at cornerback. Read more about Dukes at this link.
"I am honored to welcome Christian Dukes to Central Michigan," Drinkall said. "With deep ties to the Midwest, Ohio, and the MAC, Coach Duke's knowledge of this region and its recruiting landscape is invaluable. He's a positive, energetic, and passionate leader who serves as an incredible role model for our players. Coach Dukes is an outstanding coach who has proven his ability to develop talent and build elite defensive units. Every stop of his career he continues to highlight his ability to elevate any program he's a part of. What sets Coach Dukes apart is his sincerity and dedication to his players. He's a tremendous mentor and an exceptional person and has an incredibly bright future in this profession. We are lucky to have him in Mount Pleasant."
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
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