
Coaching Intelligence
Biography
A 24-year college coaching veteran, Sean Cronin enters his second season at Central Michigan as the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach. Known for tough, physical, and efficient play, Cronin has built a career while leading high-performing defensive units. The Detroit, Mich. native has coached on football staffs that have appeared in a combined 10 bowl games, won two FBS national championships and three conference titles. In his first season at Central Michigan in 2025, Cronin propelled the Chippewas to their first bowl appearance in four years with a 7-6 overall record, a 7-3 mark against non-Power 4 opponents, and a 5-3 MAC record. Utilizing an experienced play-making defense, Central Michigan allowed just 17.5 points per game in its eight MAC games and achieved top 30 national rankings in red zone defense (No. 10), defensive touchdowns (No. 10), and turnovers gained (No. 26). In each win, CMU held each of its opponents to 20 points or less, forced at least one turnover in all 13 games, and finished the regular season with a plus-8 turnover margin (20-12), ranking among the nation's best. Two of his defensive players earned All-America honors including defensive end Michael Heldman and linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski. Heldman and Kwiatkowski were First Team All-MAC picks, and linebacker Dakota Cochran was Second Team. Kwiatkowski led the Chippewas with 117 tackles (52 solo) with three forced fumbles and three interceptions. Heldman had 10.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, a
Career Path
Overview
Biography
A 24-year college coaching veteran, Sean Cronin enters his second season at Central Michigan as the defensive coordinator/linebackers coach. Known for tough, physical, and efficient play, Cronin has built a career while leading high-performing defensive units. The Detroit, Mich. native has coached on football staffs that have appeared in a combined 10 bowl games, won two FBS national championships and three conference titles. In his first season at Central Michigan in 2025, Cronin propelled the Chippewas to their first bowl appearance in four years with a 7-6 overall record, a 7-3 mark against non-Power 4 opponents, and a 5-3 MAC record. Utilizing an experienced play-making defense, Central Michigan allowed just 17.5 points per game in its eight MAC games and achieved top 30 national rankings in red zone defense (No. 10), defensive touchdowns (No. 10), and turnovers gained (No. 26). In each win, CMU held each of its opponents to 20 points or less, forced at least one turnover in all 13 games, and finished the regular season with a plus-8 turnover margin (20-12), ranking among the nation's best. Two of his defensive players earned All-America honors including defensive end Michael Heldman and linebacker Jordan Kwiatkowski. Heldman and Kwiatkowski were First Team All-MAC picks, and linebacker Dakota Cochran was Second Team. Kwiatkowski led the Chippewas with 117 tackles (52 solo) with three forced fumbles and three interceptions. Heldman had 10.5 sacks, 16.5 tackles for loss, a
Career
Career Path
Other coaches at Central Michigan University
Explore the rest of Central Michigan University's coaching staff
Andy BronkemaHead Coach · Men's Basketball
Arielle WilsonHead Volleyball Coach · Volleyball
Ben BennettHead Coach · Wrestling
Christine MacDonaldHead Coach · Women's Gymnastics- EWEmilia WardHead Coach · Women's Lacrosse
Jake SabolHead Coach · Baseball
James DeCosemoHead Coach · Women's Soccer- JSJennifer SwietonHead Coach · Men's Cross Country
Other Football head coaches in NCAA D1
See how peer programs staff their Football teams
Aaron BestHead Coach · Eastern Washington University- ALAdam LechtenbergHead Coach · Central Connecticut State University
- AGAlex GoleshHead Coach · University of South Florida
Alex MortensenHead Coach · University of Alabama at Birmingham
Alonzo CarterHead Coach · California State University-Sacramento
Alonzo HamptonHead Coach · University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff
Andrew AurichThe Thomas Stephenson Family Head Coach for Harvard Football · Harvard University
Andy WaddleHead Coach · Valparaiso University
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sean Cronin's role at Central Michigan University?▾
How do I get recruited by Sean Cronin?▾
Ready to reach out to Sean Cronin?
You know their philosophy, priorities, and communication style. Get their verified contact info and an AI-personalized introduction.
Get Started Free