Ball State Taps Mike Uremovich as New Head Coach in Bold Move
Big changes are coming to Ball State football, and they’re making waves in the college football world. The Cardinals have officially agreed to a five-year deal to bring in Butler head coach Mike Uremovich as their new head football coach, sources told ESPN. This hire signals a fresh start for a program looking to turn the page after a tough stretch under former head coach Mike Neu.
So, who is Mike Uremovich, and why is Ball State betting big on him? Let’s break it down.
A Proven Winner with Midwest Roots
Uremovich, 48, is no stranger to success. Over the past three years at Butler, he’s compiled an impressive 23-11 record. That’s not all—he also spent seven seasons as the head coach at the University of St. Francis (Illinois), where he led the team to a 17-7 mark in his final two seasons. His ability to turn programs into winners clearly caught the attention of Ball State’s decision-makers.
But it’s not just his record that stands out. Uremovich’s coaching resume is packed with experience at nearly every level of football. He’s worked in the Mid-American Conference (MAC) extensively, including three separate stints at Northern Illinois that spanned six seasons. During his time there, he served as the special teams coordinator for the 2012 Orange Bowl team and as the offensive coordinator for the 2018 MAC champions. That’s the kind of pedigree that Ball State fans can get excited about.
Big-Time Experience Across the Board
Uremovich’s coaching journey doesn’t stop there. He’s also been an offensive coordinator in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) at Temple and an assistant coach in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) at North Carolina State. Add in the fact that he’s been part of coaching staffs that have appeared in six bowl games, and it’s clear that Uremovich knows what it takes to compete at a high level.
What’s even more impressive is the range of his experience. From high school football to the top levels of college football, Uremovich has seen it all. That versatility is a big reason why Ball State was drawn to him, according to sources. His ability to adapt and succeed in different environments could be a game-changer for the Cardinals.
Turning Butler into a Contender
One of the most eye-catching parts of Uremovich’s resume is what he accomplished at Butler. Under his leadership, Butler appeared in the FCS coaches poll for the first time in school history. That’s right—Butler football earned its first-ever national ranking. On top of that, the program posted three consecutive winning seasons, something that hadn’t been done since the late 1980s. For a school that has historically struggled to find consistent success on the gridiron, Uremovich’s impact was nothing short of transformative.
Ball State is clearly hoping he can bring that same magic to Muncie. The Cardinals are coming off a rough stretch under Mike Neu, who was fired after going 40-63 over nine seasons. While Neu did lead Ball State to a MAC title in 2020, the program has struggled to maintain that level of success. Uremovich’s track record suggests he might be the right person to change that.
Why Uremovich Fits Ball State
One of the key factors in this hire is Uremovich’s deep ties to the Midwest. His coaching career has largely been centered in this region, giving him a strong understanding of the recruiting landscape that Ball State needs to thrive in. Building a successful program in the MAC often comes down to finding and developing local talent, and Uremovich’s familiarity with the area could give the Cardinals a leg up in that department.
Here’s a quick look at what Uremovich brings to the table:
- Winning Record: 23-11 at Butler over the last three years.
- MAC Experience: Six seasons at Northern Illinois, including roles on championship teams.
- National Recognition: Led Butler to its first-ever FCS coaches poll ranking.
- Bowl Game Pedigree: Part of coaching staffs that have appeared in six bowl games.
- Midwest Roots: Extensive experience recruiting and coaching in the region.
What’s Next for Ball State?
With Uremovich at the helm, Ball State is hoping to build a program that can compete consistently in the MAC. While it won’t happen overnight, his track record suggests that he has the tools to make it happen. For Cardinals fans, the future just got a lot more interesting.
As the Uremovich era begins, all eyes will be on Muncie to see if this bold hire can pay off. One thing’s for sure: Ball State is ready to turn the page and start a new chapter in its football history.
Originally Written by: Pete Thamel
