When the College Football Hall of Fame opened its doors in 2007, one name resonated through the halls of Central Michigan University: Herb Deromedi. His induction was not merely a personal honor but a testament to a career that redefined the program’s trajectory.
Over a sixteen‑year stretch, Deromedi compiled a 110‑55‑10 record, making him the winningest coach in both CMU history and the Mid‑American Conference, a conference he helped elevate with three championship seasons.
A career defined by milestones
His teams captured three MAC titles, and his coaching brilliance earned him MAC Coach of the Year honors in 1980 and 1990, moments that still echo in the locker rooms of the Chippewas.
The 1991 and 1992 seasons delivered signature victories over Michigan State, a pair of upsets that cemented his reputation as a strategist capable of challenging powerhouses.
Beyond the sidelines, Deromedi contributed to the broader football community, serving on the NCAA Football Rules Committee, the Michigan Chapter of the National Football Foundation, and later on the NCAA College Football Playoff Selection Committee from 2017 through 2019.
A legacy that endures
His administrative tenure as director of athletics spanned thirteen years, during which he oversaw extensive facility upgrades and guided the program to 34 MAC championships, while the university repeatedly captured the MAC Institutional Academic Achievement Award.
Induction into the Royal Oak High School Hall of Fame, the Central Michigan University Marcy Weston Hall of Fame, and the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame further illustrate the breadth of his contributions, linking his legacy to multiple pillars of Michigan sports.
The ripple effect of his work can be seen in the careers of the 71 Chippewas who earned All‑MAC First Team honors under his guidance, as well as in the continued prominence of Central Michigan football on national stages.