Mt. PLEASANT, Mich -- “I cannot put into words how humble, grateful and proud I am to be the head coach at Central Michigan University" John Bonamego said Monday at his introductory press conference.
HE FOUGHT BACK TEARS ON MONDAY AS HE WAS INTRODUCED AS THE NEW HEAD FOOTBALL COACH AT C-M-U, A DREAM COME TRUE FOR THE PAW PAW HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATE.
“I'm still numb, to be honest with you. This is a lifelong dream of mine and it's just almost impossible for me to put into words and articulate how honored and humbled and happy and proud I am" Bonamego said.
BONAMEGO HAS EXTENSIVE EXPERIENCE AS A SPECIAL TEAMS COACH IN THE NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE BUT HASN’T BEEN A HEAD COACH SINCE HE LED THE MT. PLEASANT JUNIOR VARSITY TEAM IN 1987…BUT CMU ATHLETIC DIRECTOR *DAVE HEEKE* IS CONFIDENT IN THE TRANSITION.
“That passion, that energy, that enthusiasm, but then the real connection to CMU vaulted that to a new level but John is an outstanding football coach, understands the X’s and O’s and can lead a program” Heeke said.
THE TIMING IS NOT IDEAL FOR CENTRAL, NATIONAL SIGNING DAY WAS LAST WEEK…BUT 16 OF THE 18 PLAYERS OFFERED DID SIGN AND *BONAMEGO* FEELS LIKE HE IS A GOOD POSITION.
“If it doesn't happen before signing day it doesn't matter, I think it’s really hardest on the staff that was left behind, those guys did a really good job, a tremendous job of keeping that staff together and I think it speaks to the character and the kids that we signed” Bonamego said.
BONAMEGO SAID HE PLANS TO KEEP MOST OF THE STAFF LEFT OVER FROM THE DAN ENOS ERA.
