Central Michigan University Athletics
Central Michigan Football Announces Ayden Opfer as General Manager
4/16/2025 2:56:00 PM | Football
Opfer joins Head Coach Matt Drinkall’s staff after spending four years at Army West Point; Opfer to oversee Central Michigan’s support staff.
MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—New Central Michigan Head Football Coach Matt Drinkall officially announced the addition of Ayden Opfer as the program's first General Manager on Wednesday afternoon. Central Michigan will continue to announce additional coaching staff and support staff members in the coming days.
Opfer joins the Central Michigan Football program after working with Drinkall for the last four years at Army West Point. The Sandusky, Ohio native spent the last four years at Army West Point in several different capacities. He spent the last year as Army's Assistant AD capital projects and facilities. In 2023, he served as Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Football operations and managed all team logistics. Prior to this promotion, he was the Director of Football Operations and the Graphic Content and Communications Coordinator. He started at West Point in 2019 as an Intern in the Football Video Office.
"I am honored to welcome Ayden Opfer as the General Manager of Central Michigan Football," Drinkall said. "He is a dynamic individual, possessing both high levels of intelligence as well as a truly authentic vision for our mission and serving our players. Quite frankly, he is the best kept secret in college football. His influence is felt throughout the program in numerous, meaningful ways—elevating our athletes, inspiring our staff, and propelling Central Michigan Football into the future. He's far more than a resource; the impact he makes for our student-athletes is immeasurable. Ayden is one of the most genuine and sincere people you will ever encounter. His diverse skill set & experience make him the perfect fit to be our General Manager."
Prior to joining the Black Knights, Opfer served a two-year stint at Temple University, where he was a graduate assistant for video and graphics for six months before being promoted to Director of Creative Media for the Owls. While in Philadelphia, he organized various recruiting events and assisted with the media content used for Temple Football recruiting social media. He assisted with various recruiting content for prospective student-athletes such as graphics and photo shoots.
Opfer also served as the Creative Content Coordinator and Assistant Recruiting Coordinator at Ohio Northern University from 2018-19.
Opfer graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He earned his masters from Temple University in sport business.
Read more about Opfer at this link.
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
—CMU—
Opfer joins the Central Michigan Football program after working with Drinkall for the last four years at Army West Point. The Sandusky, Ohio native spent the last four years at Army West Point in several different capacities. He spent the last year as Army's Assistant AD capital projects and facilities. In 2023, he served as Assistant Athletic Director, Director of Football operations and managed all team logistics. Prior to this promotion, he was the Director of Football Operations and the Graphic Content and Communications Coordinator. He started at West Point in 2019 as an Intern in the Football Video Office.
"I am honored to welcome Ayden Opfer as the General Manager of Central Michigan Football," Drinkall said. "He is a dynamic individual, possessing both high levels of intelligence as well as a truly authentic vision for our mission and serving our players. Quite frankly, he is the best kept secret in college football. His influence is felt throughout the program in numerous, meaningful ways—elevating our athletes, inspiring our staff, and propelling Central Michigan Football into the future. He's far more than a resource; the impact he makes for our student-athletes is immeasurable. Ayden is one of the most genuine and sincere people you will ever encounter. His diverse skill set & experience make him the perfect fit to be our General Manager."
Prior to joining the Black Knights, Opfer served a two-year stint at Temple University, where he was a graduate assistant for video and graphics for six months before being promoted to Director of Creative Media for the Owls. While in Philadelphia, he organized various recruiting events and assisted with the media content used for Temple Football recruiting social media. He assisted with various recruiting content for prospective student-athletes such as graphics and photo shoots.
Opfer also served as the Creative Content Coordinator and Assistant Recruiting Coordinator at Ohio Northern University from 2018-19.
Opfer graduated from Bowling Green State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. He earned his masters from Temple University in sport business.
Read more about Opfer at this link.
Follow Central Michigan Football: TWITTER | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM
—CMU—
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