Central Michigan got its man, a Central Michigan man.

Central Michigan University introduced Andy Bronkema as its new men’s basketball head coach on Monday afternoon during a ‘Fired Up to be a Chippewa’ special event from the John G. Kulhavi Events Center at McGuirk Arena.

He is the 22nd head coach in program history.

The 41-year old McBain native replaces Tony Barbee who was fired in early-April after leading the Chippewas to an overall record of 49-75 over the course of the last four years. Barbee and the Chippewas went 14-17 overall this past winter and finished 10th overall in the 12-team Mid-American Conference via a 7-11 MAC marker.

Bronkema was formally-introduced by the ‘Voice of CMU athletics’ Adam Jaksa to much applause and fanfare. From there President Neil MacKinnon and Athletic Director Amy Folan both took to the podium to welcome in Bronkema to more applause.

“We look for the very best here at CMU and there are a lot of talented people in this profession and there are a lot of people who can do the job, but I’m happy that we found our next head coach down in Big Rapids. He is local and we’re celebrating that,” Folan said. “He has helped raise Ferris State’s men’s basketball program to a profile of prominence as both an assistant coach and the last 12 seasons as a head coach.”

Over the course of the past dozen seasons Bronkema led the Bulldogs to unprecedented success as they went 278-105 overall and 166-73 in conference play. Moreover, they also won four GLIAC regular-season titles, five GLIAC Tournament crowns and advanced to the Division II National Championships nine times. Ferris State also earned three appearances in the Sweet Sixteen and won the Division II National Championship in 2017-18.

“This is home,” said Bronkema, whose 2024-25 team went 25-9 overall and 14-6 in conference en route to fourth-straight NCAA Tournament appearance. “It’s been amazing that the doors have just opened all right here in the neighborhood.”

Bronkema graduated from McBain High School in 2002 where he was a three-sport athlete in football, basketball and baseball. He helped lead the Ramblers to a state runner-up showing in football in 2001 before winning Class C state title in basketball in 2002.

From there he starred at Cornerstone University in Grand Rapids where he earned All-American honors twice. He closed his career with 1,725 points, 982 rebounds, 336 assists and 140 steals. He also earned numerous all-conference and all-academic honors while leading Cornerstone to two regular-season crowns, one conference tournament crown and four national tournament appearances.

In terms of his staff and who’s going to be on the next year’s team, well, that’s being worked out right now.

“It’s going to happen quick with a few of the positions, we’re working through that today,” Bronkema said of his staff.

Player-wise six Chippewas have entered the transfer portal since early- March with two finding new homes. Kyler Vanderjagt recently committed to Toledo while Ugnius Jarusevicius has committed to Nebraska.

Jakobi Heady, Bryan Ndjonga, Damarion Bonds and Armani Mighty are all still in the portal.

Folan said Bronkema signed a five-year contract with a middle-of-the-MAC annual salary.

Barbee made $420,000 annually and is set to receive a $300,000 buyout after being fired on April 3.