Christian Dukes

Biography

Christian Dukes enters his second season on head coach Matt Drinkall’s staff at Central Michigan as the cornerbacks/nickels coach. Recognized for developing smart, tough, physically strong, and resilient players throughout his career, Dukes brings a decade of coaching experience. In his first season at Central Michigan in 2025, Dukes helped guide the Chippewas to their first bowl appearance in four years. The team recorded a 7-6 overall record and a 5-3 MAC mark. The Chippewas’ seven wins were their most since 2021. Dukes’ cornerback unit was a strong point on defense, featuring Jaion Jackson, Brenden Deasfernandes, and Kalen Carroll. Jackson made 48 tackles, 2.0 sacks, one interception, and had seven pass breakups, including a forced fumble, Deasfernandes led the Chippewas with eight pass breakups, intercepted two passes, and made 25 tackles. Carroll contributed 52 tackles, two interceptions, and seven pass breakups. Before joining Central Michigan, Dukes served three seasons at Youngstown State as the cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator for the FCS Penguins under head coach Doug Phillips from 2022-24. At Youngstown, Dukes emerged as one of the leading young secondary coaches in FCS football. Over three years, he recruited, coached, or developed three All-MVFC defensive backs—Troy Jakubec, Jaylen Castleberry, and DJ Harris. Dukes also advanced two former walk-ons to full athletic scholarships. In recruiting, he signed Youngstown’s two highest-rated defensive backs e

Career Path