Herb Deromedi inducted into MAC Hall of Fame
Herb Deromedi has one of the most storied careers in the Mid-American Conference as the head coach of Central Michigan’s football program, and later as athletics director.
Deromedi was inducted into the MAC Hall of Fame Thursday, along with five others.
In a news release MAC Commissioner Dr. Jon Steinbrecher said it’s an honor to welcome a new class into the MAC Hall of Fame.
“It is only appropriate for our conference to honor and celebrate the accomplishments of our former student-athletes and coaches, specifically these six individuals, and their achievements during their time competing in the Mid-American Conference,” Steinbrecher said. “We are honored to welcome them to the Mid-American Conference Hall of Fame.”
“I’m really honored obviously,” Deromedi said. “There are so many outstanding people that have been apart of the MAC in its rich history, that to be included and honored among them, I’m very appreciative.”
Deromedi got his start as the head coach of the high school football and basketball teams in Byron, Mich.
It was former CMU head coach Roy Kramer that gave Deromedi his first shot at coaching college football.
Deromedi became the defensive coordinator at CMU, where he helped lead the team to a Division 2 national championship victory in 1974 before taking over the head coaching position in 1978.
As the head coach for CMU from 1978 to 1993 Deromedi lead the Chippewas to three conference titles while being named MAC coach of the year twice. Deromedi finished with a record of 110-55-10.
“One of the best memories I have is when Central Michigan was admitted into the MAC,” Deromedi said. “I thought that was one of the best things that could of happened to this university. It was really a highlight.”
Deromedi holds the record for most wins as a MAC coach as well as most conference wins, while seven players under Deromedi have gone onto play in the National Football League.
The success didn’t stop when Deromedi became athletic director for CMU in 1994. Deromedi oversaw the construction or renovations of Kelly/Shorts Stadium, the Indoor Athletic Complex, Margo Yonker Stadium, Theunissen Stadium, Lyle Bennett Track and the CMU Field Hockey Complex.
While Deromedi was athletic director, CMU won 34 MAC titles, the most in school history in a 10-year span.
Deromedi gives all the credit to the student-athletes.
“Those are the accomplishments of the students,” Deromedi said. “Being associated with the men and women, as they pursue their careers and their colligate experience, it all just rolls into one and I’m very proud to be associated with that.”
Since retirement in 2006, Deromedi has worked with the University of Michigan football program, the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame and has spent time with his family traveling.
“I spend most of my time now catching up with the grandkids,” Deromedi said. “I’m really enjoying that, and I travel as much as I can with my wife. I’m just enjoying this time period of my life.”
