Innovative Learning Opportunities at Central Michigan University

MOUNT PLEASANT, Mich.—Andy Bronkema, a Michigan native and recent national champion, has been appointed as the 22^nd head men’s basketball coach at Central Michigan University, as announced by Amy Folan, the Zyzelewski Family Vice President/Director of Athletics, on Monday afternoon. With 19 years of coaching experience, Bronkema comes from Ferris State University, where he served as head coach for the last 12 years, achieving a national championship and nine titles in the Great Lakes Intercollegiate Athletic Conference (GLIAC) while leading the Bulldogs to nine appearances in the NCAA tournament.

Bronkema will be officially introduced to the campus community at the “Fired Up to be a Chippewa” event on Tuesday at 1 p.m. in the atrium of the John G. Kulhavi Events Center/McGuirk Arena. The event, which is open to the public, will also be streamed live on www.cmuchippewas.com.

Known for his motivational skills and effective communication, Bronkema takes the helm at Central Michigan following a successful tenure at Ferris State, where he achieved a national championship in the 2017-18 season, along with three Sweet Sixteen appearances and an impressive overall record of 278-105. He led the Bulldogs to four GLIAC regular-season titles, five GLIAC tournament championships, and 10 seasons with at least 20 victories, including four consecutive NCAA Tournament appearances.

“Andy’s capacity to elevate a program to excellence and maintain it at a high level is remarkable,” Folan stated. “His career in Michigan and respect in the coaching community make him a perfect fit for Central Michigan at this moment in intercollegiate athletics. Success and innovation are key qualities for coaching in the current collegiate landscape.”

Bronkema expressed gratitude towards Folan and President Neil MacKinnon for the opportunity. “Our visions aligned well throughout this process. I’m eager to join the Mount Pleasant community and form a team that inspires pride and enjoyment among fans,” he said.

CMU President MacKinnon remarked, “Coach Bronkema clearly knows how to cultivate and sustain a winning culture that prepares student-athletes for success on the court, in their education, and beyond.” He added, “We are excited to welcome him and his family as he strives for continued success as a CMU Chippewa.”

Bronkema’s recent seasons at Ferris State include a 25-9 record and a fourth consecutive NCAA Division II Tournament appearance in 2024-25. Additionally, his team won the GLIAC Tournament Championship and claimed the Midwest Regional Championship for an Elite Eight berth in the 2023-24 season. Throughout his coaching career, he has participated in a commendable four consecutive GLIAC tournament championship games and NCAA tournament appearances from 2015 to 2018, culminating in the Bulldogs’ first National Championship in the 2017-18 season, where they recorded a remarkable 38-1 season.

—CMU—