Ball State football's controversial choice: Mike Uremovich as head coach
- Mike Uremovich, previously head coach at Butler, was hired by Ball State to replace Mike Neu who was fired mid-season.
- Uremovich led Butler to a 23-11 record and achieved the program's first national ranking in 2024.
- His hiring aims to revitalize a struggling program and attract players during the early signing period.
In December 2024, Ball State University announced the hiring of Mike Uremovich as its new football coach following the dismissal of Mike Neu earlier in the season. Uremovich, who achieved a 23-11 record in his three seasons with Butler, is expected to bring a renewed focus and urgency to the program as he aims to engage with the Muncie community and rebuild team morale during this essential transitional period. Neu's tenure saw Ball State recording a dismal 3-9 season, culminating in his firing after nine seasons, which raised questions about the effectiveness of the coaching staff in leading the team towards success and maintaining player retention amidst looming transfer portal opportunities. With the early signing period coinciding with Uremovich's hiring announcement, time is of the essence for him to ensure that the players remain committed to the Cardinals and rebuild the roster before the transfer portal opens. Uremovich's experience at various collegiate levels, including successful tenures in Group of Five and Power Five conferences, is expected to enhance the program’s competitive landscape, leverage recruiting connections, and lead Ball State back to the top of the Mid-American Conference, which has struggled in recent seasons. The hiring signals a strategic shift for Ball State as it looks to capitalize on Uremovich's ability to develop talent and foster a winning culture, which is critically needed after the previous instability.