Central Michigan University Athletics
Football
Jim Chapin
- Title:
- Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach
- Phone:
- @CoachChapin (X)
- Year at CMU:
- 2nd year at CMU
- Hometown:
- Troy, Mich.
- Alma Mater/Year:
- Michigan/2009
- Experience:
- 18th year in coaching
Jim Chapin enters his second season as Central Michigan’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach. He joined Central Michigan’s staff in 2023 after three seasons as the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Eastern Washington University (2022-24) in Cheney, Wash. Chapin brings 18 years of experience and a proven record to the role.
In his first year at Central Michigan, Chapin’s physical, ball-control offense generated 330.5 total yards per game, including 163.5 rushing yards in helping the Chippewas to a 7-6 record and GameAbove Sports Bowl appearance. The Chippewas offense set school records for passing efficiency (155.8) and completion percentage (69 percent) as it completed 176 of 255 passes for 2,172 yards and 16 touchdowns, with only seven interceptions. Central Michigan earned top 30 national rankings in completion percentage (No. 8), passing efficiency (No. 14), time of possession (No. 21), and fewest interceptions thrown (No. 23). Quarterback Joe Labas set school records for season completion percentage (70.7) and highest pass efficiency rating (160.4), wide receiver Langston Lewis secured Third Team All-MAC honors after a 43-reception, 596 receiving yard season, quarterback Angel Flores rushed for eight touchdowns and 527 yards, and running back Brock Townsend scored eight total touchdowns (four rushing, four receiving).
Under Eastern Washington under head coach Aaron Best, Chapin engineered a top 10 offense in the FCS. In 2024, the Eagles produced 442.0 yards per game, ranking No. 6 nationally, and 35.8 points per game, also No. 6. Adapting to injuries among two key wide receivers, Chapin shifted the Eagles to a run-focused attack, achieving a No. 5 national rank in rushing (229.2 yards per game). In 2023, EWU ranked 15th nationally in scoring (32.3 points per game) and 21st in total offense (417.6 yards per game).
Chapin spent four seasons (2017-21) at the University of Sioux Falls, serving as associate head coach, offensive coordinator, and quarterbacks coach. In 2021, the NCAA Division II USF Cougars finished 8-3 finish and captured a Northern Sun Conference South Division title as Chapin guided the offense to averages of 412.8 yards, 32.5 points, and 6.2 yards per play. The Cougars topped the NSIC in rushing with 217.2 yards per game and ranked No. 7 nationally. They surrendered only eight sacks, also No. 7 nationally. Running back Thuro Reisdorfer earned a 2021 Harlon Hill Award nomination, NCAA Division II’s national player of the year.
The Cougars maintained a winning record in all four seasons with Chapin as offensive coordinator, compiling a 32-14 (.696) mark. Notable achievements during his tenure in Sioux Falls include NCAA Division II playoff berths in 2017 and 2019, and a No. 20 final ranking in the AFCA poll in 2017.
Chapin also mentored offensive tackle Trey Pipkins, selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft by the Los Angeles Chargers. In 2018, he guided running back Gabe Watson to an NSIC Offensive Player of the Year and Super Region 4 Player of the Year honors. Chapin coached two first-team All-Americans, three All-Region honorees, eight first-team NSIC selections, and 14 second-team NSIC selections.
Chapin also served as special teams coordinator and running backs coach at UC Davis from 2015-16, where he guided running back Manu Luuga to second-team All-Big Sky Conference honors.
Chapin held positions at Indiana University of Pennsylvania (2012-14) and Adrian College (2010-11). At IUP under coach Curt Cignetti, he coached running backs for three seasons, helping the team secure a PSAC Championship in 2012 and a nationally ranked finish after a quarterfinal run. He developed two first-team All-PSAC West recipients and the PSAC West Offensive Player of the Year, along with several other AP All-American and Super Region honorees.
A Troy, Mich. native, Chapin began his coaching career at his alma mater Troy High School, then moved to Dexter High School after graduating from the University of Michigan in 2009.
Both of Chapin’s parents graduated from Central Michigan.
THE CHAPIN FILE
Birthdate: December 11, 1986
Hometown: Troy, Mich.
Education
Bachelor of Arts, University of Michigan, 2009
Coaching Career
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Central Michigan University, 2025-current
Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach, Eastern Washington University, 2022-24
Associate Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks Coach, University of Sioux Falls, 2017-21
Special Teams Coordinator/Running Backs Coach, University of California at Davis, 2015-16
Running Backs Coach, Indiana University (Pa.), 2012-14
Special Teams Coordinator/Wide Receivers Coach, Adrian College, 2010-11
Running Backs Coach, Southern Tech Prep Academy, 2009
Assistant Coach, Dexter High School, 2007-08
Spring Scrimmage Hype Video
Tuesday, April 21
Donte Kent - Chippewas in the NFL Campaign
Tuesday, April 07
Chatting Chippewas - Michael Heldman
Thursday, March 26
2026 Central Michigan Football Schedule Release
Monday, March 23
